Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of compressive strength of polypropylene fiber reinforced geopolymer mortars

The study of the fiber-matrix interface represents a crucial topic to determine the mechanical performance of geopolymer-based materials reinforced with polypropylene fibers (PPF). This research proposes the use of natural zeolite in the preparation geopolymers mortars through alkaline activation wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Heliyon 2020-04, Vol.6 (4), p.e03755-e03755, Article e03755
Main Authors: Baykara, Haci, Cornejo, Mauricio H., Espinoza, Andrés, García, Enriqueta, Ulloa, Nestor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkali-activated mortars
Civil engineering
Compressive strength
Environmental pollution
Materials application
Materials characterization
Materials class
Materials mechanics
Materials property
Materials structure
Materials synthesis
Natural zeolite
Polypropylene fiber
Reinforcement
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Summary:The study of the fiber-matrix interface represents a crucial topic to determine the mechanical performance of geopolymer-based materials reinforced with polypropylene fibers (PPF). This research proposes the use of natural zeolite in the preparation geopolymers mortars through alkaline activation with NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and Na2SiO3, and with river sand as a fine aggregate. PPF were incorporated into the geopolymer-based mortar matrix in different proportions like 0, 0.5, and 1 wt.%. The mortars were cured for 24 h at 60 °C and then aged for six days more at room temperature. All samples analyzed through compressive strength were also characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, Infrared Spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results indicated that the best mix design among the ones used: NaOH (10 M), Na2SiO3/NaOH = 3, Ca(OH)2 = 1.5 wt.% and PPF = 0.5 wt.%. The optimum mix design showed a compressive strength of 4.63 MPa on average. Besides, the fibers enhanced the compressive strength of those samples which the PP fibers probably have better dispersion inside the matrix of the geopolymer mortar. Civil engineering; Materials Class; Materials Application; Materials Characterization; Materials Mechanics; Materials Property; Materials Structure; Materials Synthesis; Environmental Pollution; Natural zeolite; Polypropylene fiber; Alkali-activated mortars; Reinforcement; compressive strength
ISSN:2405-8440
2405-8440
DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03755