Performance of precursor characteristics in the realization of geopolymer concrete: a review

Geopolymer is an inorganic polymer whose formation is based on the reaction between the precursors and some reagents which may be alkaline or acidic. The geopolymerization process involves the reaction between alumina-silicate (Al-Si) materials known as precursors and reagents producing a three-dimensional polymeric network. In this manuscript, a detailed classification along with various oxide contents present in the precursors globally used for geopolymer concrete (GPC) production is extracted. As precursors used in the process of geopolymerization involve a wide range of variations in their physio-chemical features, it becomes difficult to control the GPC properties without going into a micro-level understanding of the precursor characteristics affecting the geopolymerization mechanism. A comprehensive study is conducted on the influence of these physiochemical precursor characteristics on the geopolymerization process and GPC property development. Finally, a critical observation is drawn to design a suitable precursor, along with possible methods employed to achieve desired GPC property development.