Researchers at the Carbon Polygon of Novosibirsk State University (NSU) have conducted a systematic study to determine how to best use geopolymers for soil stabilization in construction. Geopolymers, made by activating aluminosilicate raw materials with alkalis, produce significantly fewer CO₂ emissions than traditional Portland cement. The team tested six model soils with varying mineral compositions and organic content. They found that mineral soils (sandy loams, light clays) yielded the highest compressive strength (26–31 MPa after 28 days). However, organic matter acted as a limiting factor: as its content increased, strength declined markedly, with only about 2 MPa in peat soils. This work establishes the boundaries of geopolymer applicability, which is crucial for advancing low-carbon construction technologies.
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