IIT Guwahati’s Geopolymer Innovation Unveiled
ECONOMY & POLICY

IIT Guwahati’s Geopolymer Innovation Unveiled

A team at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, led by Prof. Anil K. Mishra, has pioneered a groundbreaking solution to address two significant global challenges: industrial waste management and sustainable construction. Their innovative research utilizes industrial byproducts and waste materials, such as water treatment sludge (WTS), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), to create a geopolymer with significant environmental benefits.

With increasing urbanization and industrialization, managing industrial waste, particularly water treatment sludge, has become a critical issue. Approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of sludge are generated daily worldwide, and traditional disposal methods often result in high costs and environmental risks, including potential groundwater contamination. IIT Guwahati’s research emphasizes the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives to address this growing problem.

Prof. Mishra explains that by converting WTS, FA, and GGBS into geopolymers, they have developed a material that not only matches the strength of traditional cement but also significantly reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption. The geopolymer is particularly promising for road construction, where its properties improve performance, especially in soft soils. Additionally, the team’s work extends to utilizing construction waste, promoting a circular economy model.

Tests conducted on the geopolymer have confirmed its non-toxic nature, meeting safety standards and making it suitable for widespread adoption in sustainable infrastructure projects. This advancement represents a significant step toward reducing environmental impact while addressing the increasing demand for sustainable construction materials.

A team at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, led by Prof. Anil K. Mishra, has pioneered a groundbreaking solution to address two significant global challenges: industrial waste management and sustainable construction. Their innovative research utilizes industrial byproducts and waste materials, such as water treatment sludge (WTS), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), to create a geopolymer with significant environmental benefits. With increasing urbanization and industrialization, managing industrial waste, particularly water treatment sludge, has become a critical issue. Approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of sludge are generated daily worldwide, and traditional disposal methods often result in high costs and environmental risks, including potential groundwater contamination. IIT Guwahati’s research emphasizes the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives to address this growing problem. Prof. Mishra explains that by converting WTS, FA, and GGBS into geopolymers, they have developed a material that not only matches the strength of traditional cement but also significantly reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption. The geopolymer is particularly promising for road construction, where its properties improve performance, especially in soft soils. Additionally, the team’s work extends to utilizing construction waste, promoting a circular economy model. Tests conducted on the geopolymer have confirmed its non-toxic nature, meeting safety standards and making it suitable for widespread adoption in sustainable infrastructure projects. This advancement represents a significant step toward reducing environmental impact while addressing the increasing demand for sustainable construction materials.

Next Story
Products

unWOOD transforms plastic waste into durable wood alternative

unWOOD, a breakthrough innovation, is converting hard-to-recycle plastic waste into a durable alternative to natural wood. Developed through a proprietary process called Intelligent Compounding, unWOOD uses a Macro Molecular Fiber Matrix (MMFM) structure to replicate the strength, look, and feel of hardwood—without the environmental cost.Conceptualised by Dr Babu Padmanabhan, the material addresses key flaws in traditional plastic recycling by consuming minimal energy, using zero water, and generating no microplastics. “Any application that introduces plastics into areas where it cannot be..

Next Story
Real Estate

Häfele launches Matrix undermount runners range

Häfele has introduced its new Matrix range of undermount runners, designed to enhance drawer motion across kitchens, wardrobes, bathroom units, and more.Available in four weight capacities and a wide range of lengths, the Matrix undermount runners support diverse drawer designs. The 40 kg and 60 kg variants feature synchronised technology for superior motion and drawer stability. All runners come with an integrated soft-close mechanism to ensure smooth and noiseless operation.This in-house range is ideal for kitchen cabinets, bed storage units, living room furniture and bathroom drawers, offe..

Next Story
Real Estate

India's first AI-integrated campus announced in Noida

Yashoda Hospital and Bhutani Infra have announced plans to develop India’s first fully AI-integrated mixed-use campus in Greater Noida West. The upcoming project will feature a hospital, retail spaces, offices, SOHOs, serviced apartments, and a hotel—all operating within a self-learning, generative AI-powered ecosystem.The AI-first campus will integrate real-time data systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive infrastructure to offer personalised experiences across functions. From AI-enabled footfall tracking and dynamic energy optimisation to smart F&B and retail insights, the develo..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?