Effect of mechanical activation on the properties of rice husk ash-based one part geopolymer

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to OPC because of its low carbon footprint. Being a “no cement” concrete, it is having great potential to offset the environmental impacts caused by ordinary Portland cement. The spectrum of uses for GPC is significantly influenced by the characteristics of the binder which should be rich in silica and alumina. Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is an agricultural waste byproduct obtained from the combustion of rice husk under controlled temperatures. Since it is produced in large quantities, the disposal of RHA is extremely difficult for waste management. This study examines how the mechanical activation of rice husk ash affects the physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of one-part geopolymer concrete with rice husk ash. A mixture of rice husk, sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, and aluminium oxide was ground in a ball mill for 2, 4, and 6 h to create one part geopolymer. XRD was used to characterize the powder. Workability was assessed using the slump test, and compressive strength was used to assess the mechanical property. Mechanical activation resulted in the creation of a more amorphous structure, according to XRD. For a six-hour ground sample, the greatest compressive strength of 32 MPa was attained.