Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Mortar With a Combination of Metakaolin and Silica Fume

Muhammad Thoriq, Ni Nyoman Kencanawati, Jauhar Fajrin

Abstract


The construction sector’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions, particularly through Portland cement manufacturing, has intensified the need for sustainable material solutions. This research investigates the performance characteristics of fly ash-based geopolymer mortar as an eco-friendly cementitious alternative, focusing on optimizing its properties through supplementary aluminosilicate materials. The experimental program evaluates four distinct mix designs of geopolymer and one variation of conventional as a control: (1) MK (Conventional), (2) MGFA (pure fly ash), (3) MGFS (50% fly ash/50% silica fume), (4) MGFM (50% fly ash/50% metakaolin), and (5) MGFMS (50% fly ash/25% metakaolin/25% silica fume). All formulations of geopolymers utilize a 12M molarity with a 20% water content enhancement to assess workability and reaction kinetics. The study analyzed the density and compressive strength of mortar. The best mixture of geopolymer was (MGFMS), which reached a compressive strength of 23.04 MPa due to forming strong Si-O-Al bonds that create a solid framework. However, this strength is still lower than that of conventional mortar, which reaches 32.41 MPa. In contrast, the mixture of (MGFM) showed the lowest strength which is 12.56 MPa, attributed to high porosity from the metakaolin geopolymerization process. These results indicate that geopolymer mortar holds significant potential as a sustainable alternative. However, further adjustments in material ratios and activators are necessary to improve its performance in future applications.

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References


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