Development and Optimization of Geopolymers Made with Desert Dune Sand and Blast Furnace Slag

This study assesses the effect of mix design parameters on fresh and hardened properties, cost, carbon footprint geopolymer mortar made with desert dune fines (DDF) blast furnace slag (BFS). Taguchi method was employed in designing experiments. Four factors were considered, each having three levels, leading to a total nine mixes. The comprised DDF replacement percentage, alkali-activator solution binder ratio (AAS/B), sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide (SS/SH), (SH) molarity. Ten performance criteria evaluated, including flowability, final setting time, density, 1, 7, 28-day compressive strengths, water absorption, sorptivity, footprint. ANOVA carried out estimate contribution factor towards response criteria. Further, TOPSIS analysis utilized optimize mixture proportions DDF-BFS blended mortar. Experimental results showed that up 25% enhanced strength, durability geopolymers minor impact flowability time. Higher percentages had detrimental but could still be specific construction applications. other more limited contributions performance, evidenced by ANOVA. revealed optimum 25%, AAS/B 0.5, SS/SH 1.5, SH molarity 10 M. Different multivariable regression models also developed predict properties mortars using parameters.