Glass as a sustainable supplementary material in cementitious and geopolymer composites: a review

This review examines the use of waste glass powder (WGP) as a sustainable cement alternative in concrete, mortar, and geopolymer formulations. By analyzing its effects on strength, durability, and microstructure, the study highlights the advantages of incorporating WGP into cementitious materials. Key results show that replacing 10%–20% of cement with WGP increases compressive strength by up to 15% at 28 and 90 days. Furthermore, durability tests reveal improved resistance to sulfate attack, reduced water absorption, and enhanced impermeability, attributable to a denser microstructure with fewer pores. The findings emphasize that waste glass powder not only mitigates the environmental impact of cement production but also improves the long-term performance of concrete and mortar. This review provides a critical analysis to optimize the integration of WGP into cementitious and geopolymer materials and further to enhance its long-term effects under various environmental conditions.