In our latest research, published in the Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, we developed innovative cellular foam geopolymers (CFGs) by replacing river sand with crushed stone sand (CSS) and reinforcing them with flax fibers (FF). Here’s what we discovered:

1. Enhanced Mechanical Properties:

   • Replacing river sand with CSS increased density by 66.2% (up to 1294.68 kg/m³) and reduced porosity to 25.4%.

   • The synergy between CSS and FF boosted compressive strength to 7.58 MPa, making CFGs viable for semi-structural applications.

2. Improved Thermal and Durability Performance:

   • CSS raised thermal conductivity by 63.3%, but FF counteracted this effect, acting as an insulating agent.

   • Freeze-thaw resistance peaked at high CSS and low FF content, minimizing strength loss to 47.29%.

3. Sustainability Gains:

   • The optimal mix (44.83% CSS, 0.27% FF) cut embodied CO₂ by 66%, showcasing CSS as an eco-friendly alternative to river sand.

   • This approach aligns with circular economy principles, reducing reliance on natural resources and industrial waste.

Our findings highlight the potential of CSS and FF in creating high-performance, low-carbon construction materials. For deeper insights, check out the full paper here. 

Join the discussion: How can we further optimize waste-based materials for sustainable construction? Share your thoughts below!