Investigation of the Effects of Nano Silica Particles and Zeolite on the Mechanical Strengths of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Due to its unique qualities, concrete is the most extensively utilized substance in the construction sector after water. However, because one ton of Portland cement produces about one ton of CO2, the Portland cement manufacturing process has considerable disadvantages. As a result, an alternative to Portland cement appears to be required. Geopolymer is a new and environmentally friendly cementitious material that can be used in place of Portland cement. Chemically and mechanically, geopolymer concrete outperforms traditional concrete. The weight ratio of water to dry matter used in polymerization, as well as the weight ratio of sodium silicate to NaOH solution, have an impact on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. As a result, additional research into these variables appeared to be necessary. This paper specifically looked at how nanosilica and zeolite affected the mechanical strength of metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete. Nanosilica was added to metakaolin-based geopolymer concrete to improve mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, using zeolite in a metakaolin-based aluminosilicate source lowers the mechanical strength of geopolymer concrete while also lowering the cost. The optimal weight ratios for polymerization water to dry matter and sodium silicate solution to NaOH solution were 0.4741 and 1.5, respectively, resulting in maximum compressive pressures of 3, 7, and 28 days.