Effect of granite flour proportion on the strength properties of geopolymer mortar based on fly ash

Given global trends and challenges, the development of binders for the production of geopolymer concretes has become a topical area of building science. The purpose of this study is to determine whether granite can replace traditional construction aggregate, such as river sand, during geopolymer production, as well as to demonstrate the effect of the proportion of granite flour on the strength properties of fly ash-based geopolymer mortar. A combination of granite flour, quartz sand, and fly ash in various proportions was used as an aluminosilicate precursor. The scope of the study includes density measurements, compressive and flexural strength tests, abrasion by the Boehme method, and microstructural observations. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that granite can be successfully used as a replacement for quartz sand during the production of fly ash-based geopolymers. Moreover, the addition of granite makes it possible to improve the strength properties of geopolymers, compared to a geopolymer composite containing quartz sand.