Synthesis of Eggshell Powder and GGBS Geopolymer Designed by the Taguchi Method

This research endeavors to develop a geopolymer mortar synthesized from eggshell powder and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, utilizing the Taguchi L25 optimization technique to refine the synthesis process across molarity (A), precursor ratio (B) and curing duration (C). Analyzed at five distinct levels across 25 experimental setups, denoted as A1B1C1 through A5B5C5, these variables were rigorously tested. Compressive-strength measurement was employed as a criterion to assess the performance of three samples from each setup, alongside setting-time evaluation to ascertain the geopolymer concrete's workability. Optimal results were observed with a 60% eggshell to 40% slag ratio (A5B1C5), yielding the highest average compressive strength of 49.5 MPa after a curing period of 56 days. Conversely, a mix comprising 100% eggshell (A2B5C1) manifested the lowest compressive strength of 5 MPa at a 3-day curing period. Taguchi's signal-to-noise ratio analysis pinpointed the precursor ratio as a crucial determinant of compressive strength. Additionally, setting-time investigations revealed A5B1C5 as exhibiting the most advantageous initial and final setting times of 15 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, compared to the protracted durations of 240 minutes and 540 minutes for A2B5C1. Through comprehensive chemical, micro-structural and mineralogical characterizations via X-ray fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction, it was found that an increased proportion of ground granulated blastfurnace slag relative to eggshell enhances surface smoothness and density, indicative of successful polymerization. This was further corroborated by X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the formation of sodium alumina-silicate hydrate, calcium aluminum silicate hydrate and calcium silicate hydrate gels. Consequently, the study substantiates the potential of employing eggshell powder and ground granulated blast-furnace slag in the sustainable fabrication of geopolymers from waste materials. Keywords: Geopolymers, GGBFS, Eggshell, Taguchi Method, Compressive strength