Abstract
Fly ash is ball milled for 30 and 90 min duration to obtain two finer fractions. The degree of size reduction is very significant at the early stage of milling, then because of agglomeration effect size reduction becomes sluggish. The effect of particle size on physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of resultant geopolymer is elucidated. The physical properties and mechanical strength improvement with milling time is attributed with formation of higher amount of alkaline alumino-silicate (N-A-S-H) hydrated gel. The weight loss profile in Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates more hydrated gel formation and lower carbonation with finer fraction. Different techniques such as Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used for microstructural evaluation of geopolymers. In FTIR, the asymmetric stretching of Si–O–T (T is Si/Al) has been shifted towards lower frequency due to structural alteration of Al–Si network. The crystalline peak intensity has been decreased because of formation of amorphous gel after geopolymerization, detected by XRD. Under SEM and TEM, finer fraction is characterized with formation of more reaction product. The counts of un-reacted and non-bridge particles are decreased with size reduction.
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.
