The Influence of Different Wood Aggregates on the Properties of Geopolymer Composites

Abstract

This paper aims to study the effect of different types of wood aggregates on properties of geopolymer composites. Class F fly ash with 30% substitution of metakaolin was used as an alumino-silicates source for the production of geopolymer composites. Wood particles, wood flour, and wood fiber were added to fly ash and metakaolin-based geopolymers at 10% solid content as reinforced materials. 14M NaOH in combination with Na2SiO3 was used as the alkaline activator with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1.33:2.00. The specimen without wood aggregates was also prepared as a reference for comparison with specimens containing wood aggregates. All specimens were cured at 20°C for 28 days until the day of characterization. It was observed that the incorporation of different types of wood aggregates has influenced their properties. The highest compressive strength of about 38.4 MPa was achieved for the sample containing wood flour. Besides, the density and water absorption of geopolymer composites reacted differently by using different types of wood aggregates. It is demonstrated that size and shape of wood aggregates influence the properties of geopolymer composites.