The potential for using geopolymer concrete in the UK

Geopolymers are a novel class of inorganic polymers, which have the potential to replace Portland cement in a number of different applications. Geopolymers can utilise a higher level of industrial by-products than Portland cement blends and numerous studies have concluded geopolymer concretes have significantly lower embodied carbon dioxide than Portland-cement-based concretes. This paper examines the potential for the use of geopolymer binders as a Portland cement replacement in the UK. The quantities of material required, the major sources of these materials, the environmental implications and the barriers to implementation are discussed.