Study of strength properties of geopolymer composite

Abstract

Efforts are made throughout the world to develop an eco-friendly construction material, which will minimise the utility of natural resources and also greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, geopolymer plays a vital role. Geopolymer is synthesised by fly ash, sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. This report presents the experimental investigations carried out by varying ingredient quantity to study mechanical properties for geopolymer binder and mortar under ambient curing. In these trail mixes, the ratios of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate are taken as 1:2, 1:2.25, 1:5, 1:2.75 and 1:3 with the varying ratios of ash material (i.e., from 6,7,8 and 9). Similarly for all the above ratios, the water content is varied by 15%, 16%, 17% and 18% to the total weight of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The test results show that for geopolymer binder with ratios of 1:2.5:8, the maximum compressive strength was obtained.