Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Composites

Abstract

This article analyses the influence of a short basalt fibre admixture on the mechanical properties of geopolymers, especially compressive strength. This preliminary research is the first step towards the development of a composite for fire resistant applications in civil engineering. This study investigates the behaviour of a fly ash based geopolymer containing basalt fibres. Fly ash from the coal power plant ‘Skawina’ (located in: Skawina, Lesser Poland, Poland) was used as the raw material. The chemical composition of this fly ash is typical for class F. Three series of fly ash based geopolymers were cast. In the first, short basalt fibres were added as 1% by weight of fly ash, in the second short basalt fibres were added as 2% by weight of fly ash and the third functioned as a control series without any fibres. Each series of samples were tested on compressive strength after 28, 14 and 7 days, and specimen density was determined. Additionally, microstructural analysis was carried out after 28 days. The results show that the addition of basalt fibres can improve the mechanical properties of geopolymer composites. Keywords: geopolymer, basalt fibre, composites, fire resistance