| Abstract |
Sago Pith Waste (SPW) is a fibrous starch generated from pith of Metroxylon
Sagu (Sago Palm). It is an agro-waste product, known to have high amount of
oxides such as calcite and silica via specified calcination temperature (SPW-
Ash). These oxides enhance the compressive strength development when
used as geopolymer materials. Despite of using ordinary Portland cement
(OPC) in concrete mixture during construction works, the potential of using
calcite and silica from SPWA are very significant as a replacement of binding
agent in the geopolymer applications. SPWA can be considered as an
alternate biodegradable matter and it is available in abundance at an
extremely lower cost. When compared with OPC, it is found that SPWA is
able to increase 5% of compressive strength. The utilization of SPWA as part
of construction material will minimize the CO2 emission from the production of
OPC, thus benefits to both environment and human health. The potential of
commercialization for SPWA concrete is considered high since construction
sector is one of the largest contributors to the economic development in
Malaysia and other countries. This will be in line with national agenda in
implementing sustainable construction method in the industry. |