TOWARDS GREEN TECHNOLOGY: GEOPOLYMER SYSTEM RESEARCH IN MALAYSIA

Abstract:

Prof. Dr. Kamarudin HussinMohd Mustafa Al Bakri AbdullahChe Mohd Ruzaidi GhazaliCheng YongLiew Yun MingCentre of Excellence Geopolymer System Research, School of Material EngineeringUniversiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000, P.O Box 77, D/A Pejabat Pos Besar, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia E-mail: kamarudin@unimap.edu.myMalaysian government has committed the nation to a voluntary 40% carbon intensity reduction by the year 2020. Undoubtedly the ambitious target is still a realistic goal, should the widespread adoption of green technology be realized in the country. Green technology is the development and application of products that are infused with innovation and sustainable solutions, which minimizes the negative impact of human activities. Geopolymer system significantly reduced greenhouse emissions with added advantages in wide range of applications. The Centre of Excellence Geopolymer System Research is hence established to steer and enhance geopolymer research in the country.From building and construction, automobile engineering, sport and leisure goods to packaging industry, the trend is moving towards the use of high performance light weight materials. All of these can be achieved by utilizing lightweight geopolymer materials. For example, cities heated by sunlight retain their high temperature up to midnight, as the ground surface is covered by artificial pavement materials and many large buildings. Hence, porous geopolymer materials can be used as water retention parking lots, sidewalk, and roof top to serve as a cooling system which reduces the temperature efficiently. Porous geopolymers can also be utilized as adhesive refractory materials. Moreover, unless something drastic and different is done, the world’s atmosphere will continue to be damaged by the production of Portland cement. In this case, geopolymers can suppress greenhouse gas up to 80-90% during its manufacturing process while providing comparable performance. Geopolymer cement concretes are also studied to serve as anti-corrosion field in order to solve the corrosion problem in seaside construction. In addition, nanoclay geopolymers can be investigated to enhance fire, mechanical and barrier properties.In conclusion, geopolymer is a diverse field of study. Currently, studies are conducted in major research clusters to cater to the current needs in the country via green technologies which at the same time aiming eco-efficiency while minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

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