Influence of Nano-glass Powder on the Characteristics Properties as Well as Stability Against Firing for Geopolymer Composites

Abstract

Influence of nano-glass powder on physico-mechanical properties of geopolymer composite materials has been studied, in addition to studying their firing stability against high temperature from 500 up to 1000 °C. For increasing mechanical, physical as well as firing stability for metakaolin composites; Nano-glass powder was used. Alumino-silicate materials are kaolin, fired kaolin (metakaolin) and limestone all pass 75 µm. Materials prepared at water/binder ratios in a range of 0.40; whereas the used activator 5 M sodium hydroxide with equal volume of liquid sodium silicate. Nano-glass powder added as a partial replacement for metakaolin material in the ratio of 1 up to 9%. Results indicated that compressive strengths of geopolymer mixes incorporating Nano glass powder were obviously higher than those of control one and increased up to 7% followed by slight decrease of on using 9%. Firing of hardened geopolymer results in high thermal resistance up to 500 °C then exposed to decrease up to 800 then increased again at 1000 °C for specimens incorporated 7 and 9% nano-glass powder. However, no micro-cracks were noticed up to 800 °C for all samples as recorded by visual examination of the fired samples.