A review of the developments in geopolymer technology

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete has been introduced in recent decades as a sustainable, “green” construction alternative that minimizes CO2 emissions by utilizing industrial by-products. This study presents an overview of geopolymers, their formation from aluminosilicates and alkaline activators, and their potential for use as a construction material. Also discussed are the factors affecting geopolymer hardening properties, including the type of chemical activator, admixtures, and curing environment. The durability performance of the geopolymer in an aggressive environment, including resistance toward acid attacks, sulfate solution, and fire also are discussed. In addition, various field applications are explored. This research reveals that geopolymer, which is comparable to traditional construction materials in terms of strength, and highly resistant to aggressive environments, demonstrates excellent potential to be used widely in civil engineering applications. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.