Effect of Metakaolin and Silica fume on the Strength of Fly ash Based Geopolymer mortars

Abstract

The impacts of metakaolin and silica fume on the mechanical properties of fly ash based geopolymer mortars were discussed in this study. Fluidity, 3-d and 28-d flexural strength and compressive strength were tested, microstructures were also observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). studies concluded that the metakaolin contained geopolymer mortars has better mechanical properties and denser microstructures, but silica fume contained geopolymer mortars have an adverse situation, the addition of silica fume should be under 5% and the best addition need to be further studied.