Physical properties of alkali activated aluminosilicates based on low-reactivity ceramics in room temperature conditions

Abstract

Alkali activated aluminosilicates (AAA), or geopolymers, are widely studied materials because they are supposed to become a more sustainable alternative to materials based on Portland cement, such is especially concrete. AAA materials are generally produced by activation of an aluminosilicate precursor by an alkaline solution – usually solution of sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. The capability of the prepared material to be used as construction material is commonly evaluated by means of its compressive strength. The present paper aims to broaden the AAA materials characterization to other physical properties such are porosity and thermal conductivity, since these measures are closely related to the engineering performance of the material. The waste ceramic dust was used as precursor while the solution of potassium silicate was an activator. The relationships between the above listed physical properties and obviously on the material composition were searched.