Kaolinite Research Articles

Manufacturing of Bricks by using Waste Foundry Sand

The foundry is an industrial sector where various iron, scrap steel, and ferroalloys are melted down in arc furnaces or cupolas, shaped in sand, ceramic, or metal moulds, and the cast, steel, nodular, and tempered foundry products needed in industry are produced as raw or processed materials. Especially in establishments such as factories and workshops that produce parts of the automotive, construction, and machine and in steel industry, foundry sand is used to mould foundry products (iron-steel industry and aluminium- and copper-based alloys).Foundry sand is used to prepare metal foundry moulds. For 1 ton of production, 4-5 tons of sand is required. This ratio may be changed based on the type of the metal that needs to be casted, part size, and moulding technique. Sands that contain more than 90% of silica and 7–15% clay (bentonite or kaolinite clay) and have a sintering temperature of over 1500°C are defined as foundry sands. Foundry sand disposal is a herculean task for the industrial sector in today’s scenario. In order to overcome this problem to some extent, it is required to convert it into some useful products. Hence, this project gains its importance for the effective utilization of foundry sand into foundry sand bricks

Dan Kwian clay doll designing from Korat folksong identity for Adding value to the product of cultural tourism.

This research developed the design of Dan Kwian clay doll souvenir products from the identity of Korat Folksong, to add value to product which promote creative cultural tourism. The objectives of the research are 1) study the identity from Korat Folksong to create a small sculpture and creating prototypes from 3D Printing 2) Experimenting with Dan Kwian clay in order to create Dan Kwain clay doll and glazing to develop souvenir products. 3) To design packaging to convey contemporary Korat Folksong which promote cultural tourism. The research found that 1) The identity of Korat Folksong. Men's clothing is popular in wearing loincloths. Wear a round neck, short-sleeved shirt, no color limit, with a loincloth on the belly. Women wear loincloths and wear tight, collarless shirts with short sleeves. It is popular to wear brightly colored cloth. And the dance poses that express the identity of Korat Folksong are 1. Oh Ram Ro pose, 2. Chang Thiam Mae pose, and 3. Jok pose. By taking photo of the original Korat's Folksong performers. Then, draw it into a 3D image with computer program thereafter prototypes were printed with 3D printer reduced sizes to be used in the of making of plaster mold for casting the workpiece. 2) Experimenting with using triangular table to find ratios for all 36 slip formulas. It was found that clay formula 14 was suitable for casting the workpiece quickly and without cracking, with a ratio of 40% Dan Kwian clay, 40% Lampang kaolin clay, and 20% silica, chosen as the slip casting formula for creating the souvenir products and fined at 900 °C, then decorated with colored the glaze derived from the clothing of Korat Folksong performers. By applying glaze 1,100 °C, the workpiece shrinks by 12%. 3) The packaging is designed after the Korat music house, which is a pavilion raised under 4 pillars. When the pieces are packed in a box, it's like a musician singing and dancing in the music theater, and the Korat song is conveyed in the packaging design with fun rhythm content that attract tourists to Nakhon Ratchasima province. The song was composed by Mr. Kampan Nithiworapaiboon. The national artist. It is a souvenir product from Dan Kwian pottery to convey knowledge about the folk art of Korat songs to promote cultural tourism.

Characterisation, activation, and reactivity of heterogenous natural clays

Although thermal and mechanochemical activations of natural clays are well-documented, there exists a dual research gap. Firstly, a thorough investigation into the interrelationship between these activation methods and the governing parameters of reactivity for various clays has been notably lacking. Secondly, there is a distinct scarcity of studies specifically focusing on heterogeneous clays compared to the extensive research dedicated to single-layer clays specially kaolinitic clays. This study investigates the correlation of activation methods, and changes in the clay mineralogy, particle size distributions, morphology, specific surface area, and the reactivity of heterogeneous clays. Traditional thermal and mechanochemical activation methods often fall short in achieving complete dehydroxylation of heterogeneous clay minerals and improving their reactivity beyond predefined low thresholds. The results in this paper emphasize that, despite these limitations, combining these activation methods brings about significant modifications in crucial parameters. Notably, integrating 20 min of mechanochemical activation at 500 rpm with prior thermal treatment leads to 158% increase in specific surface area compared to mechanochemical activation conducted on un-calcined clays. Simultaneously, these combined activations result in up to 127% improvement in reactivity levels of heterogenous clays compared to standalone mechanochemical activation. The results underscore that, even with the advancements brought about by combined activations, the presence of impurities like iron oxides and calcite remains a noteworthy factor influencing the reactivity of kaolinitic natural clays. The study concludes by highlighting the potential of combined treatments to enhance the pozzolanicity of low-reactive heterogeneous clays, unlocking avenues for future clinker supplementation with this abundant resource.

Revealing crucial effects of reservoir environment and hydrocarbon fractions on fluid behaviour in kaolinite pores

The adsorption interactions of hydrocarbons and clay surfaces are crucial to understanding fluid behaviour within shale reservoirs and to mediating organic pollutants in soils. These interactions are affected by the diversity of complex hydrocarbon components and the variations in environmental conditions. This study examines the interactions between kaolinite clay, featuring two distinct basal surfaces, and an array of hydrocarbons. We assess the impact of various molecular structures, functional groups, and environmental conditions (focusing on the reservoir temperature and pressure ranges) on the adsorption selectivity, surface packing, molecular alignment and orientation, and diffusion of hydrocarbons. Analyses of molecular interaction energies provide a quantitative elucidation of the adsorption mechanisms of hydrocarbons on the different kaolinite surfaces. Our findings suggest that molecular configuration, functional group properties, and spatial effects dictate the distribution patterns of hydrocarbons for the different kaolinite surfaces. The differences in the interaction energy between various hydrocarbons with kaolinite reveal the adsorption strength of different hydrocarbons in the order of asphaltenes > heteroatomic hydrocarbons > saturated hydrocarbons > aromatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, we observe that the adsorptive characteristics of hydrocarbons on kaolinite are highly temperature-sensitive, with increased temperatures markedly reducing the adsorption amount. Beyond a certain threshold, the effect of pressure rise on the fluid behaviour of hydrocarbons is non-negligible and is related to molecular packing and reduced mobility. Simulation results based on actual geological characteristics demonstrate notable adsorption disparities among hydrocarbon components on different kaolinite surfaces, influenced by competitive adsorption and clay surface interactions. Polar surfaces are predominantly occupied by heteroatomic hydrocarbons, whereas on non-polar surfaces, asphaltenes and heavy saturated hydrocarbons develop multi-layer adsorption structures, with molecules aligned parallel to the surface.

Lead removal from the aqueous solution by extracellular polymeric substances produced by the marine diatom Navicula salinicola

ABSTRACT Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have recently emerged as significant contributors in diverse biotechnological applications. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), produced by a Navicula salinicola strain, have been studied for potential applications in a specific heavy metal (lead (Pb II)) removal from wastewater. The optimisation of operational parameters, mainly pH, Pb and EPS concentrations, using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) was undertaken to enhance lead uptake. The higher Pb adsorption capacity reached 2211.029 mg/g. Hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, phosphoric, and sulfhydryl groups were identified quantitatively as potential sites for Pb adsorption. EPS exhibited a notable flocculation rate of 70.20% in kaolin clay at a concentration of 15 mg/L. They demonstrated an emulsifying activity greater than 88%, showcasing their versatile potential for both sedimentation processes and stabilising liquid–liquid systems. EPS could be excellent nonconventional renewable biopolymers for treating water and wastewater.

Supplementary cementitious material based on calcined montmorillonite standards

The most effective approach to mitigating the environmental impact of cement production is through the utilisation of pozzolanic materials to prepare blended cement. Calcined kaolinitic clays are one of the most promising materials to be used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) due to their final performances. However, there are locations where kaolinitic rocks are not available. This work presents the study of two dioctahedral smectite standards from the Clay Minerals Society (CMS), SWy-3 and SAu-1, to be used as references. After thermal activation optimisation, their pozzolanic performances are compared with those of low-grade kaolinitic clay. On the one hand, raw SWy-3 has an amorphous content of ∼80 wt%, considered montmorillonite, with quartz and feldspars. The optimum calcination temperature was 800ºC, at which the smectite is fully dehydroxylated (as determined by thermal analysis) but not completely amorphized (as shown by powder diffraction). After calcination (800ºC), with a median particle size by volume (Dv,50) of ∼11 μm, ∼480 J/g were released at 7 days in the R3 test. On the other hand, SAu-1 has a higher amount of amorphous content, ∼96 wt%, which includes interstratified illite/smectite. The optimum calcination temperature was found to be 750ºC. This sample (Dv,50 ∼10 μm) gave 452 J/g at 7 days in the R3 test. The optimised active smectites gave a pozzolanic activity comparable to clay with 30–35 % kaolinite, as determined, for the first time, by the R3 test. This work has established descriptors for the activation of natural smectites/bentonites and reference values for the resulting smectite-based SCMs.

Influence of kaolin and red clay on ceramic specimen properties when galvanic sludge is incorporated to encapsulate heavy metals

This study presented the influence of two types of clay: kaolin (Kao) and red clay (RC) on the chemical and physical properties of ceramic specimens when galvanic sludge (GS) is incorporated to encapsulate heavy metals. Samples were obtained of GS from the industrial district of Manaus – Amazonas State, Brazil, and kaolin (Kao), and red clay (RC) from the Central Amazon. A fourth sample was prepared by mixing GS, Kao, and RC in the ratio 1:1:8 (GS + Kao + RC). This mixture was ground, and ceramic specimens were prepared, and heat treated at 950 °C and 1200 °C for three hours for phase detection, compressive strength, leaching of Fe, Ni and Cr metals and life cycle assessment. Galvanic sludge, Kao, and RC were also, and heat treated to at 950 °C and 1200 °C for three hours, obtaining GS950, GS1200, Kao950, Kao1200, RC950, and RC1200. The samples were submitted to XRF, XRD, Rietveld refinement, Mössbauer spectroscopy, TG/DTG/DSC, and SEM. The results show that the formation of nickel oxide and a spinel solid solution of the type Fe3+{Fe1-y3+,Fe1-x2+,Nix2+,Cry3+}O4 (in which [] = tetrahedral site, {} octahedral site) occurs in GS1200, which is caused by sulfate decomposition to SO2. At 1200 °C, heavy metals are encapsulated, forming other phases such as nickel silicate and hematite. Life cycle assessment was used to verify the sustainability and value of GS in clay for making bricks, and it indicated that the production of ceramics is feasible, reduces the use of clays, and is sustainable.

Spatio-temporal characterisation of local scour around a circular bridge pier in cohesive soil with different clay/silt ratio

This paper presents new data on scour around a vertical pier in cohesive soils. It specifically focuses on the temporal evolution of local scour hole around the pier with increasing the clay/silt ratio content. Series of flume tests were performed using soil mixtures made with 85% fine sand and 15% fines. The fines fraction used in the soil mixtures includes silt, kaolinite clay, and various combinations of both with different proportions. The water velocity during the tests was kept constant and slightly above the erosion critical velocity of the fine sand used in the mixtures. A 3D laser scanner was employed to continuously record the geometry of the scour hole. Results show that increasing the Kaolinite clay in the fine fraction reduces significantly the scour. The mixture with a range around 7.5–10% of kaolinite clay fines content provides the threshold composition for cohesive soil behaviour effect in scouring process, recognized through scour pattern change. As the clay content increases, notable reductions are observed in the dimensions of the scour hole. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of maximum scour depth measured in flume was in agreement with the results from SRICOS-EFA (Scour Rate in COhesive Soil - Erosion Function Apparatus) method.

Undrained shear strength of soft clay reinforced with encapsulated stone dust columns

PurposeThe stone dust column was used to strengthen the sample and had a significant effect on improving the shear strength of the kaolin clay. The application of stone columns, which can improve the overall carrying capacity of soft clay as well as lessen the settlement of buildings built on it, is among the most widespread ground improvement techniques throughout the globe. The performance of foundation beds is enhanced by their stiffness values and higher strength, which could withstand more of the load applied. Stone dust is a wonderful source containing micronutrients for soil, particularly those derived from basalt, volcanic rock, granite and other related rocks. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the properties of soft clay reinforced with encapsulated stone dust columns to remediate problematic soil and obtain a more affordable and environmentally friendly way than using other materials.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the treated kaolin sample's shear strength was measured using the unconfined compression test (UCT). 28 batches of soil samples total, 12 batches of single stone dust columns measuring 10 mm in diameter and 12 batches of single stone dust columns measuring 16 mm in diameter. Four batches of control samples are also included. At heights of 60 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm, respectively, various stone dust column diameters were assessed. The real soil sample has a diameter of 50 mm and a height of 100 mm.FindingsTest results show when kaolin is implanted with a single encased stone dust column that has an area replacement ratio of 10.24% and penetration ratios of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0, the shear strength increase is 51.75%, 74.5% and 49.20%. The equivalent shear strength increases are 48.50%, 68.50% and 43.50% for soft soil treated with a 12.00% area replacement ratio and 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 penetration ratios.Originality/valueThis study shows a comparison of how sample types affect shear strength. Also, this article provides argumentation behind the variation of soil strength obtained from different test types and gives recommendations for appropriate test methods for soft soil.

Treated Kaolin Clay Incorporated with Nickel Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Crystal Violet and Methyl Orange from Textile Wastewater

Treated Kaolin Clay Incorporated with Nickel Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Crystal Violet and Methyl Orange from Textile Wastewater

Influence of Calcining Temperature on the Mineralogical and Mechanical Performance of Calcined Impure Kaolinitic Clays in Portland Cement Mortars

Influence of Calcining Temperature on the Mineralogical and Mechanical Performance of Calcined Impure Kaolinitic Clays in Portland Cement Mortars

The effect of geosynthetic reinforcement on the load transfer mechanism of pile-supported low embankments subject to cyclic traffic loading

Pile-supported embankments are commonly employed for highways in soft soil areas. Extensive studies have been conducted on high embankments under static loading. However, low embankments with lower costs and carbon footprint have not yet been thoroughly studied. This study aims to investigate the performance of pile-supported low embankments under cyclic traffic loading by carrying out two large-scale model tests. The soft soil was constructed using Kaolin clay, and the cyclic traffic loading was simulated using a localized semi-sinusoidal function. The effect of geosynthetic reinforcement on the load transfer mechanism of pile-supported low embankments was investigated by comparing the measured data from unreinforced and reinforced cases. Test results show that geosynthetic reinforcement reduces settlement and leads to faster stabilization of settlement in low embankments. Pile-supported low embankments experience a rapid decrease followed by a stabilization in pile efficacy with increased cyclic loading, and geosynthetic reinforcement increase the pile efficacy and facilitate quicker stabilization. Geosynthetic reinforcement enhances the transfer of static and dynamic stresses to piles, resulting in less stress degradation under cyclic loading. Based on experimental results, pile-supported embankments should account for the adverse effects of cyclic loading, even if they are classified as high embankments according to existing analytical models.

Exploring the potential of pulverized oyster shell as a limestone substitute in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) and its implications for performance

With the advent of rapid climate change and global warming, the cement industry has been actively striving to minimize its carbon footprint. An effective approach for reducing carbon emissions is to utilize supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) has garnered significant attention because of its ability to reduce clinker use by approximately 45 wt%, compared to ordinary Portland cement. However, the raw materials involved in LC3 production, which are obtained through mining and heating of raw clay, also counts toward the carbon footprint. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the feasibility of using oyster shells as a replacement for limestone in LC3 systems. Various amorphousness of calcined clay were tested to investigate the hydration reaction and strength of the oyster shell calcined clay cement (OC3). Data collected using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, isothermal calorimetry, compressive strength testing, and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were analyzed to elucidate the hydration reaction mechanisms of OC3, considering the type of calcite (oyster shell or limestone) and the extent of the transformation of kaolinite clay to metakaolin. The findings of this study demonstrate that oyster shells can effectively replace limestone as a raw material for LC3. Furthermore, the irregular morphology of the shell particles enhanced the hydration reaction and development of the cement’s microstructure.

Sedimentation kinetics of kaolinitic and illitic clay: Impact of cation valence, ionic concentration, and water content

Investigating the sedimentation of clay in saline water was extensively studied because of its wide applications in engineering. This study investigated the impact of cation valence, ionic concentration, and water content on sedimentation behavior of kaolinitic and illitic clays through batch sedimentation tests for the comprehensive understanding of clay particle association and elapsed time for the transition of settling regimes from initial hindered settling to zone settling. The quantitative representation of observed settling curves was achieved using four fitted parameters in batch sedimentation model, which represented the shape of settling curves and the boundary of the initial hindered, zone, and consolidation settling regimes. In addition, the obtained settling velocity from the settling curves provided the fraction of clay particles and the size of clay flocs. The observed settling curves, trends of fitted parameters, and the estimated size of clay flocs shown in this study implied that the type of clay particle association (face-to-face aggregation or edge-to-face flocculation), settling velocity, final interface height, and boundary between initial hindered and zone settling are function of clay mineralogy, water content, cation valence, and ionic concentration.

Estimating drinking water turbidity using images collected by a smartphone camera

ABSTRACT The lack of robust water quality data in drinking water services in many low-income settings can be attributed to inadequate funding for regular monitoring using analytical equipment. Turbidity is an indicator that is relatively quick and easy to measure; however, it still requires a turbidimeter and a trained operator. This study developed an entire smartphone camera-based application to measure turbidity in drinking water, removing both the need for external equipment and skilled labour. The application was created using a convolutional neural network, able to classify water samples into eight turbidity bins ranging from 0 to 40 NTU. The turbidity of the samples was created using formazine and kaolin clay suspensions. The in-built camera of a smartphone was used to capture images of water samples with known turbidity values. This algorithm was then embedded in a smartphone application, thereby providing an easy-to-use tool for users to estimate turbidity. Specifically, the protocol for using this application was developed with the intention that it will be used in low-resource settings by laypersons. Formazine samples achieved a turbidity classification accuracy of 98.7%, while kaolin clay samples achieved 90.9% accuracy using this method, which provides an encouraging proof of concept, as justification for further testing and improvements.

Origin and properties of kaolinites from soils of a toposequence in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Kaolinite is the main clay mineral in most soils around the world and has been widely used for industrial purposes. This research aimed to study chemical, morphological and crystallographic characteristics of kaolinite, and establish the origin of kaolinitic samples on Serra do Mar and kaolinitic layers on peatlands, located at Southern Brazil. Samples were collected on different geomorphological positions: two samples at Serra do Mar (kaolinitic saprolite – SAP, and kaolinitic layers - KL); and two cores at the peatland with Sapric Histosols from Quaternary sedimentary basin. Granulometry and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined in soil samples. Kaolinite in silt and clay fractions was studied by chemical extractions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/TG), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy – SEM/EDS. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics of kaolinite were divided into two groups, according to the particle size and the location of the deposit in the relief. Silt fraction: i) SAP – genesis mainly derived from mica weathering; ii) peatland, containing pseudomorph crystals smaller than those found in Serra do Mar; Clay fraction: i) Serra do Mar – there was a larger contribution of K-feldspar weathering in the genesis of kaolinite from KL in relation to SAP; ii) peatland – the stronger weathering and the hydromorphic conditions resulted in less neoformed crystalline kaolinites. For both environments, the substitution of Al 3+ by Fe 3+ into the octahedral sheet led to a reduction in the mineral thickness and also increased the occurrence of structural deformations in clay kaolinite. Kaolinite in peatland is a combination of the following genesis processes: transportation from Serra do Mar (mainly in the silt fraction) and; formation in situ through neogenesis process (dominant in the clay fraction).

An elastoplastic model with egg-shaped yield surface for coastal soft clay

A novel elastoplastic constitutive model with an egg-shaped yield surface (ESE model) is proposed herein to elucidate the strength-deformation characteristics of marine soft clay. One of the key improvements offered by this model is its ability to address the singularity associated with plastic strain increments at yield surface corners—a limitation commonly encountered in traditional elastoplastic models. Additionally, the proposed model demonstrates flexibility, as it can transform into various forms under different conditions. Subsequently, to evaluate the efficacy of this egg-shaped elastoplastic model, numerical simulations are performed within the finite element software ABAQUS using an implicit integration algorithm through the user material subroutine interface (UMAT). The simulations encompass standard triaxial consolidation tests involving saturated soft clay sourced from the Itsukaichi marine clay as well as two types of saturated kaolin clays. The outcomes derived from these simulations by the ESE model are compared with both empirical data and numerical simulations originating from the widely employed Modified Cam-Clay (MCC) model. The simulations of the ESE model for three conventional triaxial tests on clay demonstrate superior concordance with experimental measurements in comparison to the MCC model. This underscores the efficacy of the proposed ESE model in predicting the strength and deformation characteristics manifested by coastal soft clays under undrained conditions. Finally, the predictions for deformation in an adjacent tunnel according to the ESE model closely align with experimental measurements and prior to the simulations conducted using the MCC model and advanced models such as the bounding surface model and the unified model, thereby affirming its practical utility in engineering applications.

Preparation of a Carbon paste electrode with Active materials for the detection of Tetracycline

The Electrochemical sensor based on carbon-clay paste electrode (CCPE) was constructed for sensitive determination of Tetracycline (Tc). The mineralogical composition, morphology, structure and performance of CCPE were characterized using X-ray diffraction powder, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Cyclic Voltammetry analysis. The CCPE is constituted of two types of clay having the ratio 1/1 and 2/1 characteristic of kaolinite and montmorillonite clay respectively. Its porous structure is ascribed to the presence of graphite. The CCPE exhibited a good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of Tc. The electrochemical kinetics and mechanism of Tc were proposed, showing that Tc electrocatalytic oxidation reaction was controlled by diffusion process and took place in three steps. A low concentration of Tc was detected by amperometry with the linear ranges of 0.5μM–0.8 μM (R2 = 0.98), the sensitivity was 8.01 μA/μM.cm2, the limit of detection and quantification were 5.16x10−3μM(S/N = 3) and 1.72x10−2μM respectively. Thus, the proposed electrode provides a promising and prospective CCPE sensing platform for the detection of Tc in the environment.

Steel corrosion and critical chloride content in concrete with calcined kaolinite clay, fly ash, and limestone powder under natural and accelerated marine environments

This study aims to investigate steel corrosion and critical chloride content in concrete with calcined kaolinite clay, fly ash, and limestone powder. The chloride diffusion coefficient and compressive strength of concrete, and weight loss of steel were measured after the specimens were exposed to the tidal zone in a real sea environment for 1 and 2 years. The depassivation time of the embedded steel and the critical chloride content of the concrete under an accelerated marine environment were investigated in the laboratory. The test results revealed that the coefficient of chloride diffusion and critical chloride content of concrete and weight loss of steel decreased with increasing calcined kaolinite clay contents. Although utilizing calcined kaolinite clay in concrete mixtures reduced critical chloride content (0.655% by wt. of binder for OPC and 0.573 to 0.427% by wt. of binder for C15 to C45) because of the lower portlandite content, it caused a longer rebar depassivation time (46 days for OPC and 63 to 237 for C15 to C45). The ternary binder systems of cement, calcined clay, and fly ash demonstrated the best overall performances, i.e., the lowest chloride diffusion coefficient (0.29 ×10−12 m2/s) and the highest compressive strength of the concrete (38.7 MPa), and no weight loss of embedded steel at 2 years of exposure.

Kaolin Clay-Based Geopolymer for Ionic Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting.

Geopolymers, a class of sustainable inorganic materials derived from natural and recycled resources, hold promise for various applications, including thermoelectric power generation. This study delves into the thermoelectric properties of Ikere white (IKW)-geopolymer, derived from kaolin clay, by employing rigorous measurements of thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient. The investigation elucidates the pivotal role of temperature and ions in shaping the thermoelectric performance of IKW-geopolymer. Electrical conductivity analysis pinpoints ions within the geopolymer's channels as primary contributors. Beyond a critical temperature, the evaporation of bulk water triggers a transition of charge carriers from one- to three-dimensional motion, resulting in reduced conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient exhibits a range from -182 to 42 μV/K, with its time-dependent profile suggesting that ions potentially drive thermoelectricity in cementitious materials. Notably, a unique transition from n-type to p-type behavior was observed in the geopolymer, opening new avenues for ionic thermoelectric capacitors. These insights advance our understanding of thermoelectric behavior in geopolymers and have the potential to propel the development of novel building materials for energy conversion applications.