Life-cycle analysis of geopolymers

Abstract: Geopolymers as alternative binder systems are attracting increasing interest in research and development. They can display outstanding technical properties, such as high strength, high acid resistance, and/or high temperature resistance. It has been documented by several investigations that good performance of geopolymers can also be obtained by the utilisation of secondary raw materials (industrial wastes like fly ash or slag). This explains the strong interest in this technology from countries with growing industrialisation. These countries accumulate large quantities of industrial wastes and do not have a developed recycling pathway. The use of waste for geopolymer production could not only solve a waste problem, but also reduce the consumption of primary raw materials. Nevertheless, only limited knowledge exists about the ecological implications of geopolymer production. In this chapter, the effects of geopolymer production will be investigated from an environmental point of view. Furthermore, the predominant drivers of ecological impacts of geopolymers will be discussed to provide guidance for the development of geopolymer compositions for different applications.