Evaluation of the rheological and mechanical behavior of the synthesized geopolymer with residue waste

ABSTRACT

The sustainable construction of the future, besides low energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions must also adopt the principle of reusing wastes generated by the production chain that impact the environment. One of the most impacting wastes generated by the aluminum production chain is fly ash. Geopolymers are cementitious materials with a three-dimensional structure formed by chemical activation of aluminosilicates. According to studies some ashes have proven to be suitable sources of Al and Si for the geopolymerization reaction. One of the most important aspects in the commercializing these products is their behavior in a plastic state. The workability of fresh geopolymer paste can be measured using several common tests used for Portland cement concrete, such as flow and slump; however, a more in-depth characterization of their rheology is essential for understanding their basic setting mechanisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the rheological behavior of the Davidovits (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) geopolymer paste at 2.65; 3.04 and 4.11. The mechanical resistance to compression at 24 hours, 7 days and 28 days of geopolymer cure was also evaluated. The geopolymerization reaction was conducted at ambient temperature of 28°C and 15 Molar sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 10 Molar sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), were used as the activator. Fly ash and metakaolin were used as source of Al and Si was used. XRD, XRF, SEM techniques were used in the characterization of raw materials and geopolymers. The geopolymer with a lower Davidovits ratio of 2.65 presented better workability in its fresh state and higher mechanical strength at 40.80 MPa compression with 28 days cure at ambient temperature. The Herchel Bulkley rheological model was the one that was best adjusted to the geopolymers.

Keywords
geopolymer; rheology; rheological model