Effect of the Alkali Metal Activator on the Properties of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers

The alkali and alkali earth metal cations present during the formation of most known aluminosilicate structures have a very significant effect on both the physical and chemical properties of the final product. Geopolymers are no exception, although this effect has not been thoroughly quantified and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Industrial & engineering chemistry research 1999-10, Vol.38 (10), p.3932-3941
Main Authors: van Jaarsveld, J. G. S, van Deventer, J. S. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
Applied sciences
CHEMICAL ACTIVATION
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
Exact sciences and technology
FLY ASH
Inorganic and organomineral polymers
LINERS
MATERIALS SCIENCE
MATERIALS TESTING
Other industrial wastes. Sewage sludge
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Physicochemistry of polymers
Pollution
POLYMERS
Preparation
SANITARY LANDFILLS
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
Wastes
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Summary:The alkali and alkali earth metal cations present during the formation of most known aluminosilicate structures have a very significant effect on both the physical and chemical properties of the final product. Geopolymers are no exception, although this effect has not been thoroughly quantified and in the case of waste-based geopolymers it has not received any significant attention. The present study investigates the effect of mainly Na+ and K+ on the physical and chemical properties of fly ash-based geopolymeric binders both before and after setting has occurred. A variety of tests were conducted, including rheological measurements, various leaching tests, compressive strength testing, specific surface area determinations, and infrared spectroscopy (IR). It is concluded that the alkali metal cation controls and affects almost all stages of geopolymerization, from the ordering of ions and soluble species during the dissolution process to playing a structure-directing role during gel hardening and eventual crystal formation.
ISSN:0888-5885
1520-5045
DOI:10.1021/ie980804b