Use of foundry sand as aggregate in geopolymers

• Grant number: 24/15328-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Construction Industry
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Giannotti da Silva Ferreira
• Grantee: Aline Maria Curti
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The geopolymer, defined as a binder based on aluminosilicate material that undergoes a hardening process in an alkaline environment, emerged as a more sustainable proposal, with lower CO2 emissions, compared to Portland cement. This research project aims to optimize geopolymeric mortars with partial replacement of sand with foundry sand before and after use. The specimens will be molded using metakaolin as a source of aluminosilicate and sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as activating liquid. An experimental design will be carried out adopting two study variables: mass proportion between binder and fine aggregate and percentage of sand replacement with foundry sand before and after use. In addition to material characterization tests, compressive strength and water absorption tests at 28 days will be carried out, in addition to leaching tests. It is expected to contribute to the study of the interference of replacing sand with more sustainable alternatives.