Effect of different molarities of Sodium Hydroxide solution on the Strength of Geopolymer concrete

Abstract

This paper contains the experimental study of strength of geopolymer concrete for different molarities of sodium hydroxide solution. This paper also contains results of the laboratory tests conducted to find out the effect of sodium hydroxide concentration on the strength of the geopolymer concrete. In these days the world is facing a major problem i.e. the environmental pollution. We can use fly ash instead of cement in the construction in order to reduce environmental pollution. The Concrete made by using Fly ash and alkaline liquid mixture as a binder is known as geopolymer concrete. In this study for the polymerization process alkaline liquids used are Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3). Different molarities of sodium hydroxide solution i.e. 8M, 10M and 12M are taken to prepare different mixes and the compressive strength is calculated for each of the mix. The size of the cube specimens taken are 150mm X 150mm X 150mm. Curing of these cubes is done in an oven for 3 days and 28 days. The Compressive strength of these geopolymer concrete specimens is tested at 3 days and 28 days. The results show that there is increase in comp. strength of geopolymer concrete with increase in molarity of Sodium Hydroxide Solution. Ordinary Concrete Specimens are also manufactured with cement as binder. It is found that the Compressive strength of Geopolymer Concrete specimens is higher than the Compressive strength of Ordinary Concrete Specimens.