Advancements in Geopolymer Concrete: A Detailed Review of Engineering Properties with Nanomaterial Integration

The evolution of high performance geopolymer concrete (GPC) has become additionally significant for researchers and industry professionals due to the environmental issues related with the use of bulk cement in construction projects. By using fly ash (FA), bottom ash (BA), slag (GGBS), rice husk ash (RHA), and other industrial wastes as the principal binder instead of Portland cement, these mixes promote a greener approach to bulk concrete production. These high-performance blends are often associated with the incorporation of nanomaterials (NM) in the mix. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that NM incorporation offers GPC blends superior mechanical properties, and frequently does away with the requirement for thermal curing which further reduces the energy demand for production. This incorporation of NM also results in a denser inter-particle packing at a micro level, which increases the blend’s durability. The performances of GPC blends dosed with various NM, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), nano-silica (NS), nano-alumina (NA), nano-titanium di oxide (NT), nano-clay (NC), and nano-graphene oxide (NG), are thoroughly summarized in this article in terms of mechanical, durability, and microstructural qualities. The final inferences and conclusions were drawn keeping in mind the viability of bulk consumption. Ultimately, TOPSIS analysis was carried out to determine the optimum type and dosage of NM in GPC and it was found that NS dosed at 2% yielded the most favorable outcomes. Present limitations and challenges related to the bulk utilization of GPC doped with NM are also discussed towards the end of this review, along with potential directions for further research.