Study on Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Materials

Abstract

Geopolymer is a class of inorganic polymers that formed by reacting of silica-rich and alumina-rich solids with a high conc. alkaline solution, which combines the properties of polymers, ceramics, cements, and others. Physicochemical and mechanical properties of Geopolymer materials (cement, mortar, and concrete) are studied. Different mixes are prepared using different liquid/solid ratios (L/S) by weight. Sodium hydroxide (SH) and commercial sodium silicate liquid (SSL) are used as an activator materials which dissolved in the mixing water.

The hydration characteristics of the mixes have been tested by determination of bulk density, total porosity, combined water, compressive strength, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis at different time intervals from 1 up to 180 days in water. The results showed that the combined water content of the Geopolymer materials gradually increases up to 180 days in all mixes. The bulk density increases while the total porosity decreases, as a result of the chemical reaction (Geopolymerization process) with formation of new products fill the pores. The compressive strength increases up to 180 days in all mixes.