Advanced clay-based geopolymer: influence of structural and material parameters on its performance and applications

Abstract

Clay-based geopolymer material cement is an intriguing alternative to traditional Portland cement when looking for ecologically friendly and sustainable building materials. This material blends cutting-edge geopolymerization technologies with abundantly available clay to produce a variety of advantages, including enhanced mechanical properties and reduced carbon emissions. As the need for green building solutions grows, clay-based geopolymer cement stands out because of its superior structural performance, durability, and resistance to extreme environmental conditions. In this study, we present a complete examination of the curing conditions, structural features, and diverse applications of geopolymers, emphasizing the essential elements that determine their strength and performance. We investigated the effect of curing temperature and duration, demonstrating that favorable curing temperatures (such as 60–80 °C) can increase the strength of geopolymers, whereas excessive curing temperatures can degrade their long-term structural integrity. Pre-curing treatments, such as heat and moisture management, were also investigated for their capacity to improve the microstructural density and minimize the porosity. In addition, we investigated improved curing procedures such as autoclave and steam-saturated methods, which provide higher mechanical qualities, especially in terms of compressive strength. Herein, we discussed a variety of applications, including high-performance composites in aerospace and construction and environmental remediation employing the capacity of geopolymers to immobilize dangerous compounds. Finally, we addressed the promise of geopolymers in future sectors, such as infrastructure repair, environmentally friendly systems, and applications in medicine, emphasizing their long-term viability and versatility in current materials science.