Relationship between Compressive Strength of Geo-polymers and Pre-curing Conditions

Abstract

Meta-kaolin (MK) and blast furnace slag (BS) were used as raw materials with NaOH and sodium silicate as alkali activators for making geo-polymers. The compressive strength with respect to the various pre-curing conditions was investigated. In order to improve the recycling rate of BS while still obtaining high compressive strength of the geo-polymers, it was necessary to provide additional CaO to the MK by adding BS. The specimens containing greater amounts of BS can be applied to fields that require high initial compressive strength. Alkali activator(s) are inevitably required to make geo-polymers useful. High temperature pre-curing plays an important role in improving compressive strength in geo-polymers at the early stage of curing. On the other hand, long-term curing produced little to no positive effects and may have even worsened the compressive strength of the geo-polymers because of micro-structural defects through volume expansion by high temperature pre-curing. Therefore, a pre-curing process at a medium range temperature of <TEX>$50^{\circ}C$</TEX> is recommended because a continuous increase in compressive strength during the entire curing period as well as good compressive strength at the early stages can be obtained.