Current development of geopolymer cement with nanosilica and cellulose nanocrystals

The cement industry has contributed large amounts of CO₂ emissions and is responsible for the consumption of non-renewable natural resources. Geopolymer based cement has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to construction materials because it can be produced from industrial waste. Similar to ordinary portland cement, geopolymer cement can be strengthened with nanomaterials. This paper presents a review of nanosilica and cellulose nanocrystals in geopolymer cement. The addition of nanosilica can improve the properties of pozolan which is able to bind calcium-hydroxide so that the resistance to sulfate corrosion will also be better and nanosilica can also increase chemical reactions due to its surface area. Nano-sized cellulose-based particles can fill the smallest gaps in cement paste that cannot be treated by other micro or macro sized materials. This paper also presents an overview of the latest advances in the production of geopolymer cement that reinforced by nanosilica and cellulose nanocrystals as promising sustainable construction materials. (paper)