Research Projects

The engineering field is increasingly focusing on natural processes to achieve environmentally friendly, sustainable, and less expensive solutions. Geopolymers, which can be used for various waste materials, have gained interest as a new material to replace cement. The porous structure of geopolymers can be used as a habitat for microorganisms, adding new functions. However, the pore space of geopolymers is not comfortable for microorganisms due to high pH environments. This study proposes developing a novel geopolymer that can survive in an alkaline environment, prolong its usable time, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by depositing calcium carbonate crystals in the geopolymer. The study will use BL11 XAFS of the synchrotron radiation facility HiSOR of Hiroshima University to analyze the physical properties of the geopolymers. The study aims to screen microorganisms in waste materials, isolate them, understand CO2 repair capacity, characterize soft soil treated with the geopolymer, and verify its safety against erosion by natural rainfall.