Sustainable High-Strength Geopolymer Composite Reinforced with Nano-Silica and Basalt Fibers: Mechanical and Microstructural Evaluation

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 1113 1122
    By

    Moulya H V,

  • Ashwini Satyanarayana,

  • Shivanand C G,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Kumaraswamy layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, The Oxford College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Sustainable soil composites (SSC) were formulated by incorporating red earth with varying proportions of bagasse ash (BA) and hydrated lime to enhance geotechnical performance and promote the reuse of agro-industrial waste. Red earth served as the primary structural matrix, BA functioned as a pozzolanic filler, and lime acted as a chemical stabilizer. BA content ranged from 0% to 60%, identifying 10% as the optimum level for significant improvement, and lime content varied from 1% to 5% for performance optimization. Standard geotechnical tests in accordance with IS 2720 determined Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, and property changes after curing for 0, 7, and 30 days. Microstructural analysis using SEM showed a transformation from a porous particle arrangement to a denser, interlocked matrix, while XRD confirmed the formation of C-S-H and C-A-H phases, indicating pozzolanic reactivity. BA addition initially increased the liquid limit due to higher water affinity, later reducing after curing as cementitious bonds developed. OMC increased and MDD decreased with higher BA content due to lower specific gravity, with lime at 3-4% delivering optimal plasticity reduction and strength gain. The developed composite demonstrated improved stability, durability, and environmental compatibility, making it a viable solution for subgrade stabilization in road construction and other geotechnical works, contributing to circular economy practices and offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.

Keywords: Geopolymer concrete, nano-silica, basalt fibers, recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), composite materials, mechanical properties, microstructure, sustainability, hybrid reinforcement.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Moulya H V, Ashwini Satyanarayana, Shivanand C G. Sustainable High-Strength Geopolymer Composite Reinforced with Nano-Silica and Basalt Fibers: Mechanical and Microstructural Evaluation. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1113-1122.
How to cite this URL:
Moulya H V, Ashwini Satyanarayana, Shivanand C G. Sustainable High-Strength Geopolymer Composite Reinforced with Nano-Silica and Basalt Fibers: Mechanical and Microstructural Evaluation. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):1113-1122. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=234372


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 08/08/2025
Accepted 01/09/2025
Published 03/11/2025
Publication Time 87 Days
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