Research & Developments
Explore my portfolio of research and development projects focused on sustainable construction materials, waste utilization, and innovative building solutions. These projects represent collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions to address real-world challenges in the construction sector.
Featured Project: G-EASYMENT
Project Overview
G-EASYMENT (Green Environmentally-friendly Alkaline Solution for Yielding Metasilicate-activated Engineered Novel Technology) is a groundbreaking project focused on developing a sustainable alkaline activator for geopolymer concrete. Traditional geopolymer concrete relies on highly caustic and environmentally problematic alkaline solutions, which has limited its widespread adoption despite its environmental benefits compared to ordinary Portland cement.
This project addresses this challenge by developing a green alkaline solution derived from waste materials, significantly reducing the environmental impact and handling hazards associated with conventional alkaline activators while maintaining or improving the performance characteristics of the resulting geopolymer concrete.
Key Objectives
- Develop an environmentally friendly alkaline activator using waste materials
- Reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of geopolymer concrete production
- Improve the safety and handling characteristics of alkaline activators
- Maintain or enhance the mechanical properties and durability of geopolymer concrete
- Create a commercially viable solution for industry adoption
Methodology
- Characterization of various waste materials for their potential as alkaline activator precursors
- Development of processing techniques to extract and concentrate alkaline compounds from waste materials
- Formulation of the green alkaline solution with optimized composition
- Testing of the solution’s effectiveness in activating fly ash and other precursors for geopolymer formation
- Comprehensive evaluation of the resulting geopolymer concrete’s mechanical properties, durability, and environmental impact
- Life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental benefits compared to conventional activators
Dr. Nor Hasanah
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ahmad Zaki
Co-Investigator
Dr. Siti Nurulain
Materials Specialist
Ir. Mohd Faizal
Industry Liaison
Nurul Izzah
Research Assistant
Key Findings
- The developed green alkaline solution reduced the carbon footprint of geopolymer concrete production by up to 35% compared to conventional alkaline activators
- Geopolymer concrete produced using the green activator demonstrated comparable or superior compressive strength, with values ranging from 35-45 MPa at 28 days
- Durability tests showed excellent resistance to chloride penetration and sulfate attack
- The solution exhibited significantly lower toxicity and handling hazards compared to conventional sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate activators
- Cost analysis indicated potential for commercial viability, with production costs comparable to conventional activators when scaled up
Impact & Applications
- Sustainable infrastructure development with reduced environmental impact
- Precast concrete products with enhanced durability and reduced carbon footprint
- Specialized applications requiring high chemical resistance and fire resistance
- Rural and remote construction where safer handling characteristics are particularly valuable
- Waste management solutions through the utilization of industrial by-products
Funding Sources
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
Grant No: FRGS/1/2022/TK01/UTM/02/1
d
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
UTM Transdisciplinary Research Grant
Grant No: UTM-TDR/2022/15
