Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Quick-Strength Geopolymer Material Considering Preheated-to-Room Temperature Ratio of Sand, Na2SiO3-to-NaOH Ratio, and Fly Ash-to-GGBS Ratio

Mohammad Rizwan Bhina; Kuang-Yen Liu; John-Eric Hsin-Yu Hu; Chih-Ta Tsai

doi:10.3390/polym15051084

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Quick-Strength Geopolymer Material Considering Preheated-to-Room Temperature Ratio of Sand, Na₂SiO₃-to-NaOH Ratio, and Fly Ash-to-GGBS Ratio

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Feb 21;15(5):1084. doi: 10.3390/polym15051084.

Authors

Mohammad Rizwan Bhina¹, Kuang-Yen Liu¹, John-Eric Hsin-Yu Hu¹, Chih-Ta Tsai²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
² Sustainable Environment Research Laboratories (SERL), National Cheng Kung University, No. 500, Sec. 3, An-Ming Road, Annan District, Tainan 709015, Taiwan.

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is a useful alternative construction material for bridge deck systems, as it is characterized by a low carbon footprint, rapid setting, quick strength development, low cost, freeze-thaw resistance, low shrinkage, and sulphate and corrosion resistance. Heat curing enhances the mechanical properties of geopolymer materials (GPM), but it is not suitable for large structures, as it affects construction activities and increases energy consumption. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of preheated sand at varying temperatures on GPM compressive strength (Cs), the influence of Na₂SiO₃ (sodium silicate)-to-NaOH (sodium hydroxide-10 molar concentration), and fly ash-to-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) ratios on the workability, setting time, and mechanical strength properties of high-performance GPM. The results indicate that a mix design with preheated sand improved the Cs of the GPM compared to sand at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). This was caused by the heat energy increasing the kinetics of the polymerization reaction under similar curing conditions and with a similar curing period and fly ash-to-GGBS quantity. Additionally, 110 °C was shown to be the optimal preheated sand temperature in terms of enhancing the Cs of the GPM. A Cs of 52.56 MPa was achieved after three hours of hot oven curing at a constant temperature of 50 °C. GGBS in the geopolymer paste increased the mechanical and microstructure properties of the GPM as a result of different formations of crystalline calcium silicate (C-S-H) gel. The synthesis of C-S-H and amorphous gel in the Na₂SiO₃ (SS) and NaOH (SH) solution increased the Cs of the GPM. We conclude that a Na₂SiO₃-to-NaOH ratio (SS-to-SH) of 5% was optimal in terms of enhancing the Cs of the GPM for sand preheated at 110 °C. Additionally, as the quantity of ground GGBS in the geopolymer paste increased, the thermal resistance of the GPM was significantly reduced.

Keywords: Na2SiO3-to-NaOH ratio; compressive strength; fly ash-to-slag ratio; geopolymer material; preheated sand; quick strength; thermal resistance.

Grants and funding

We sincerely thank the Innovation Headquarters at National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, for their financial support towards our research under the 2022 NCKU Dreams Come True Program. Their generous funding has been instrumental in completing our work, and we sincerely appreciate their support. Additionally, the research was partly supported by the Higher Education Sprout Project, Ministry of Education to the Headquarters of University Advancement at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU).