Abstract
This article presents the effect of adding sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide on the mechanical properties of a kaolin-based geopolymer binder cured at room temperature. A geopolymer binder was first prepared using calcined kaolin as an aluminosilicate precursor and sodium silicate as alkaline activator. The calcium and sodium hydroxide were then added at dosages of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight of kaolin, and the compressive strength was measured for specimens cured at room temperature. The results showed that the addition of either 5 wt.% sodium hydroxide or 10 wt.% calcium oxide dramatically increased the room-temperature compressive strength of kaolin geopolymer by 90% and 105%, respectively. The addition of either 5 wt.% sodium hydroxide, or 10 wt.% calcium oxide has also enhanced the water stability of the kaolin geopolymer by about 120%. X-ray diffraction (XRD)and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test techniques were performed to get insight the binder microstructural phases and its chemical characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
