Thermo-mechanical performance assessment of geopolymer synthesized with steel slag and glass powder at elevated temperatures

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-08, Vol.444, p.120047, Article 120047
• Main Authors: Janga, Supriya, Raut, Ashwin N., Adamu, Musa, Ibrahim, Yasser E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Glass powder; Hot compressive strength; Residual compressive strength; Steel slag; Thermal performance
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120047

This study utilizes glass powder (GP) and steel slag (SS) as a solid precursor material along with Fly Ash (FA) as a key ingredient to produce geopolymer composite (GPC). The developed geopolymer materials were subjected to elevated temperatures up to 800 °C to simulate intense fire conditions. Thermo-mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the performance and microstructural characteristics of the exposed geopolymers. Results demonstrated that the GPC incorporating GP exhibited exceptional resistance to high temperatures, significantly retaining compressive strength. Conversely, the SS-based geopolymer showed a 52–54% reduction in strength, indicating improved thermal resistance. Both SS and GP-based GPC demonstrated resilience to high-temperature exposure, with SS addition providing the benefit of preserving structural integrity. However, the noted reduction in compressive strength highlights potential challenges for the application of geopolymer materials in areas exposed to high temperatures or fire. [Display omitted] •The study investigates the use of steel slag and glass powder as sustainable sources of alumina-silicate.•Thermo-mechanical and microstructural properties of the geopolymer were examined.•Geopolymer samples underwent thermo-mechanical testing at 800 °C exposure conditions.•The study explores the impact of oxide ratios on compressive strength at elevated temperatures.