Characterization of the high-calcium fly ash geopolymer mortar with hot-weather curing systems for sustainable application

Fly ash geopolymers are an alumino-silicate material and thus enable the utilization of waste containing alumino-silicate effectively. Geopolymeric reaction occurs as a result of the activation of fly ash with alkali solutions. In Thailand, a large amount of high-calcium fly ash is available due to the use of low-grade lignite coal feedstock for pulverized coal combustion process and the calcium content becomes very high. In this study, heat curing at 35 °C as a representative of a high ambient temperature (hot weather) and low cost was investigated. Curing at temperature of 65 °C and room temperature of 25 °C were also conducted to compare the results. Geopolymeric products were tested for compressive strength and characterized by XRD, IR, SEM and TGA techniques. The results showed that heat curing enhanced the geopolymerization resulting in the formation of network product. Heat curings at 35 °C and 65 °C led to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and alumino-silicate (geopolymer bonding). Without heat curing, the product was predominantly C-S-H compound and the matrix was as strong as the heat-cured product. The immersion of samples in 3% sulfuric acid solution revealed that the performance of the heat-cured samples were better than those cured at room temperature. In addition, application of research results was to produce the geopolymer brick with outdoor heat exposure of 35 °C. Pedestrian pathway was demonstrated.     

Influence of curing conditions on properties of high calcium fly ash geopolymer containing Portland cement as additive

This paper investigated the mechanical properties and microstructure of high calcium fly ash geopolymer containing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as additive with different curing conditions. Fly ash (FA) was replaced with OPC at dosages of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of binders. Setting time and microstructure of geopolymer pastes, and flow, compressive strength, porosity and water absorption of geopolymer mortars were studied. Three curing methods viz., vapour-proof membrane curing, wet curing and temperature curing were used. The results showed that the use of OPC as additive improved the properties of high calcium fly ash geopolymer. The strength increased due to the formation of additional C–S–H and C–A–S–H gel. Curing methods also significantly affected the properties of geopolymers with OPC. Vapour-proof membrane curing and water curing resulted in additional OPC hydration and led to higher compressive strength. The temperature curing resulted in a high early compressive strength development.     

The effects of ground granulated blast-furnace slag blending with fly ash and activator content on the workability and strength properties of geopolymer concrete cured at ambient temperature

Inclusion of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) with class F fly-ash can have a significant effect on the setting and strength development of geopolymer binders when cured in ambient temperature. This paper evaluates the effect of different proportions of GGBFS and activator content on the workability and strength properties of fly ash based geopolymer concrete. In this study, GGBFS was added as 0%, 10% and 20% of the total binder with variable activator content (40% and 35%) and sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio (1.5–2.5). Significant increase in strength and some decrease in the workability were observed in geopolymer concretes with higher GGBFS and lower sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio in the mixtures. Similar to OPC concrete, development of tensile strength correlated well with the compressive strength of ambient-cured geopolymer concrete. The predictions of tensile strength from compressive strength of ambient-cured geopolymer concrete using the ACI 318 and AS 3600 codes tend to be similar to that for OPC concrete. The predictions are more conservative for heat-cured geopolymer concrete than for ambient-cured geopolymer concrete.     

Use of OPC to improve setting and early strength properties of low calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete cured at room temperature

Most previous works on fly ash based geopolymer concrete focused on concretes subjected to heat curing. Development of geopolymer concrete that can set and harden at normal temperature will widen its application beyond precast concrete. This paper has focused on a study of fly ash based geopolymer concrete suitable for ambient curing condition. A small proportion of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was added with low calcium fly ash to accelerate the curing of geopolymer concrete instead of using elevated heat. Samples were cured in room environment (about 23 °C and RH 65 ± 10%) until tested. Inclusion of OPC as little as 5% of total binder reduced the setting time to acceptable ranges and caused slight decrease of workability. The early-age compressive strength improved significantly with higher strength at the age of 28 days. Geopolymer microstructure showed considerable portion of calcium-rich aluminosilicate gel resulting from the addition of OPC.     

Influence of elevated temperatures on the mechanical properties of foamed geopolymer materials

Current research focuses heavily on geopolymer concrete as possible applications for insulation materials. The aim of the research is to test the strength properties of lightweight geopolymer concrete after exposure to high temperatures. Waste material from the Wieczorek mine (Poland) was used to produce the foamed geopolymers. Alkaline activation took place by mixing the mine powder with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide combined with an aqueous sodium silicate with a concentration of 10 M. Prepared geopolymer samples after temperature curing at 75 °C for 24 hours in a laboratory dryer, they were seasoned for 28 days, after which the strength properties were determined. Mechanical tests: compressive strength and bending strength were carried out at temperatures: 20 °C, 200 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C, 1100 °C. Research has shown the precursor activation with the presence of hydrogen peroxide enabled the manufacturing of foamed geopolymers. Heating in the temperature range up to 1100 °C influenced, to some extent, the total porosity of the tested foams. The geopolymer foams based on coal gangue present stable mechanical properties in the range up to 800 °C. No sharp mechanical performances decrease or material chipping was observed. Only colour change of heated samples occurred.     

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.     

HPMC添加量及烧结温度对粉煤灰支撑体性能的影响

以燃煤电厂燃烧后的废弃物粉煤灰为原料,二氧化锰(MnO₂)为烧结助剂,羟丙基甲基纤维素(HPMC)为粘结剂,通过滚压成型法和固态粒子烧结法制备单管式陶瓷膜支撑体,通过对原料的热稳定性、成品的纯水通量、抗折强度、微观形貌、晶相组成以及耐酸碱度进行表征,探究HPMC的添加量对于支撑体性能的影响。结果表明,HPMC的引入可以增强粉煤灰基支撑体泥料的粘性和塑性,在烧结温度为1 150℃,HPMC的添加量为2wt.%时,抗折强度为24.65 MPa、纯水通量为6 794.71 L/(m²·h·MPa)、耐酸碱腐蚀性能优异且稳定。HPMC作为粘结剂在苛刻条件下仍然可以制备出低成本、效果优的粉煤灰基陶瓷膜支撑体,达到资源化利用的目的。     

Effect of fibre characteristics on physical,mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymer concrete: A comparative experimental investigation

The main aim of this work is to comparatively reveal the effect of fibre type, length and content on compressive strength and microstructure of structural geopolymer concrete (GPC) produced under constant mixture and curing parameters in order to address the significant gap in present literature. Firstly, GPCs with different NaOH concentrations (i.e., 6, 9, 12 and 15 M) and activator solution/binder (a/b) ratios (i.e., 0.45 and 0.55) were produced in ambient curing condition, and optimum production parameters were determined based on the preliminary evaluations. Then, glass and polypropylene fibres in 6-mm length (GS6 and PP6) and polyamide and polypropylene fibres in 12-mm length (PY12 and PP12) were included in GPCs at ratio of 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.2% (by volume). Compressive strength, apparent porosity, bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of GPC samples were carried out comparatively. The inclusion of GS6 fibre enhanced the compressive strength thanks to fibre surface being covered by geopolymer gel and the strong adhesion between GS fibre and geopolymer matrix. SEM images of fibre reinforced GPC (FRGPC) also confirmed the experimental findings, which were attributed to improvement in compressive strength. Regardless of the fibre type, the maximum compressive value strength was obtained from GPC specimens with 0.4% fibre and then decreased. Higher fibre inclusions led to poor compaction, workability issues and inhomogeneous fibre dispersions. A very good relation (R² = 0.98) was acquired between UPV and compressive strength values of GPC/FRGPC samples.     

混合型固化剂对环氧树脂室温和低温力学性能的影响

研究了一种刚性和柔性胺混合型固化剂（芳香胺DETD和聚醚胺D-400）固化环氧树脂浇铸体的力学性能、材料断裂表面的微观形貌和玻璃化转变温度等性能。结果表明:当D-400加入量占固化剂总量的40%时,其室温拉伸强度呈现最大值,为82.52 MPa,弹性模量为2.30 GPa,与未加D-400的体系相比分别提高了6.3%和14.4%,其低温冲击强度提高了14%。对冲击断面形貌进行扫描电子显微分析表明:D-400的加入致使断口形貌变得粗糙,抗开裂能力得到提高。热分析实验结果显示,体系的玻璃化转变温度随着D-400含量的增加而降低。此外,还探讨了环氧树脂体系低温增韧机制。      

环境温度对压电纤维复合材料性能的影响

针对压电纤维复合材料在航天、航空领域的应用,研究极端环境温度对复合材料性能的影响.首先制备了基于锆钛酸铅(PZT)陶瓷的压电纤维复合材料,然后测试环境温度对压电纤维复合材料电学阻抗、自由应变、驱动性能和力学性能的影响.结果表明,环境温度对压电纤维复合材料的阻抗相位角差值有显著影响.随着环境温度的升高,压电纤维复合材料的...     

PVA短纤维和粉煤灰对地聚合物基复合材料流变学行为和弯曲性能的影响

利用自行研制的活塞式挤压流变仪研究了掺加聚乙烯醇(PVA)短纤维和粉煤灰的地聚合物浆体在挤压过程中的流变学特性,在此基础上通过单轴挤压机成功制备出宽厚比=12.5∶1.0的短纤维增强地聚合物基复合材料。利用MTS电液侍服机系统研究了各种纤维和粉煤灰掺量的地聚合物基复合材料的弯曲行为。采用扫描电镜(SEM)研究了地聚合物基复合材料中纤维的分布、取向、纤维-基体间界面,以及弯曲实验后试样断裂面上的纤维伸出长度、纤维尖端断裂形貌和纤维表面组织,从细观和微观角度探讨各种地聚合物基复合材料微观结构和弯曲破坏机制。结果表明：PVA短纤维的加入改变了地聚合物浆体的破坏模式,由脆性破坏变为延性破坏;对于不掺或掺加少量粉煤灰(≤10%)的地聚合物基复合材料弯曲强度高,但延性小,当粉煤灰的掺加量≥30%时,地聚合物基复合材料的弯曲强度显著下降,但延性增大。     

Effect of SiO2 and Al2O3 on the setting and hardening of high calcium fly ash-based geopolymer systems

This study investigates the effect of silica and alumina contents on setting, phase development, and physical properties of high calcium fly ash (ASTM Class C) geopolymers. The characteristic rapid setting properties and, hence, limited workability range of high calcium fly ash geopolymers has restricted both development and potential application of these binder systems compared to conventional geopolymer binders derived from bituminous coal, i.e., (ASTM Class F) sources or from calcined kaolin feedstocks. For this study, control of setting and hardening properties were investigated by adjusting SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of the starting mix, via series of mixes formulated with varying SiO₂ or Al₂O₃ contents to achieve SiO₂/Al₂O₃ in the range 2.87–4.79. Foremost is the observation that the effect of varying silica and alumina in high calcium fly ash systems on setting and hardening properties is markedly different from that observed for traditional Class F geopolymer systems. Overall, increases in either silica or alumina content appear to shorten the setting time of high calcium-based systems unlike conventional geopolymer systems where increasing Al₂O₃ accelerates setting. The setting process was associated primarily with CSH or CASH formation. Furthermore, there appears to be a prevailing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio that prolongs setting, rather than Ca²⁺ ion content itself, while NASH primarily contributes to strength development. SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios in the range of 3.20–3.70 resulted in products with highest strengths and longest setting times. These results suggest that initial predominance of Ca²⁺ ions and its reactions effectively help maintaining a SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio at which amorphous geopolymer phase is stable to influence setting and initial strength development.     

Effects of fibre content on mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of short carbon fibre reinforced geopolymer matrix composites

Geopolymer matrix composites reinforced with different volume fractions of short carbon fibres (C_f/geopolymer composites) were prepared and the mechanical properties, fracture behaviour and microstructure of as-prepared composites were studied and correlated with fibre content. The results show that short carbon fibres have a great strengthening and toughening effect at low volume percentages of fibres (3·5 and 4·5 vol.%). With the increase of fibre content, the strengthening and toughening effect of short carbon fibres reduce, possibly due to fibre damage, formation of high shear stresses at intersect between fibres and strong interface cohesion of fibre/matrix under higher forming pressure. The property improvements are primarily based on the network structure of short carbon fibre preform and the predominant strengthening and toughening mechanisms are attributed to the apparent fibre bridging and pulling-out effect.     

Effect of bed temperature and infra-red lamp power on the mechanical properties of parts produced using high-speed sintering

High-speed sintering is a new, layer-based, manufacturing process, based on printing consecutive cross-sections with a radiation-absorbing material, and exposing to an infra-red lamp, in order to initiate sintering of polymer powder particles in the appropriate profile. Research was carried out to determine the effects of varying process parameters on the mechanical properties of parts produced using this process. Results showed that increasing the temperature of the part bed led to an increase in the mechanical properties of the parts produced, and that increasing the infra-red lamp power had the same effect, but to a lesser degree. It was also found that these increases in process parameters led to a corresponding increase in the hardness of the unsintered powder, which could lead to difficulties with post-process powder removal.     

Effect of bed temperature and infra-red lamp power on the mechanical properties of parts produced using high-speed sintering

High-speed sintering is a new, layer-based, manufacturing process, based on printing consecutive cross-sections with a radiation-absorbing material, and exposing to an infra-red lamp, in order to initiate sintering of polymer powder particles in the appropriate profile. Research was carried out to determine the effects of varying process parameters on the mechanical properties of parts produced using this process. Results showed that increasing the temperature of the part bed led to an increase in the mechanical properties of the parts produced, and that increasing the infra-red lamp power had the same effect, but to a lesser degree. It was also found that these increases in process parameters led to a corresponding increase in the hardness of the unsintered powder, which could lead to difficulties with post-process powder removal.     

The effect of adding nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 on properties of high calcium fly ash geopolymer cured at ambient temperature

This article presents the effect of adding nano-SiO₂ and nano-Al₂O₃ on the properties of high calcium fly ash geopolymer pastes. Nano-particles were added to fly ash at the dosages of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight. The sodium hydroxide concentration of 10 molars, sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide weight ratio of 2.0, the alkaline liquid/binder ratio of 0.60 and curing at ambient temperature of 23 °C were used in all mixtures. The results showed that the use of nano-SiO₂ as additive to fly ash results in the decrease of the setting time, while the addition of nano-Al₂O₃ results in only a slight reduction in setting time. Adding 1–2% nano-particles could improve compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus of pastes due to the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) or calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH) and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (NASH) or geopolymer gel in geopolymer matrix. In addition, the additions of both nano-SiO₂ and nano-Al₂O₃ enhances the shear bond strength between concrete substrate and geopolymer.     

Effects of different curing regimes on the compressive strength properties of self compacting concrete incorporating fly ash and silica fume

This paper presents the effect of air curing, water curing and steam curing on the compressive strength of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC). For experimental study, SCC is produced with using silica fume (SF) instead of cement by weight, by the ratios of 5%, 10% and 15%, and fly ash (FA) with the ratios of 25%, 40% and 55%. It is observed that mineral admixtures have positive effects on the self settlement properties. The highest compressive strength was observed in the concrete specimens with using 15% SF and for 28 days water curing. Air curing caused compressive strength losses in all groups. Relative strengths of concretes with mineral admixtures were determined higher than concretes without admixtures at steam curing conditions.     

Effect of curing methods on strength and durability of concrete under hot weather conditions

This paper reports the results of a research study conducted to evaluate the effect of curing methods on the mechanical properties of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Silica Fume Cement (SFC) concretes. Slab and beam specimens were prepared and cured by covering them with wet burlap or applying a curing compound under field conditions. Four types of curing compounds, namely water-, acrylic-, and bitumen-based and coal tar epoxy, were applied on the concrete specimens. The curing compounds were applied immediately after casting or after an initial period of burlap curing. The effect of the selected curing regime on the properties of OPC and SFC concrete specimens was evaluated by measuring compressive strength, water-absorption and chloride permeability. The strength and durability characteristics of both OPC and SFC concrete specimens cured by applying the selected curing compounds were similar or better than that of concrete specimens cured by covering with wet burlap. Though no significant change in strength could be noted due to the curing methodology; however, its effect was noticeable on the durability. The best performance was shown by concrete specimens cured by applying the bitumen-based curing compound followed by those cured by applying coal tar epoxy, acrylic-based or water-based curing compound. The initial period of water curing, prior to the application of the curing compound, was also noted to be beneficial in increasing the durability of concrete.     

掺粉煤灰和不同外加剂对水泥水化放热过程的影响

通过水化热测量研究了掺加缓凝型减水剂、引气剂和粉煤灰对硅酸盐水泥的水化放热过程的影响。结果表明,掺入缓凝型减水剂能不同程度地延缓水泥的水化放热过程,降低水泥的水化热,掺入引气剂对水泥水化放热几乎没有影响,而掺粉煤灰可显著降低水泥水化热。     

石墨化处理对双层热解炭基2DC/C复合材料微观结构的影响

综合采用偏光显微镜(PLM),X射线衍射仪(XRD),扫描电子显微镜(SEM),高分辨透射电子显微镜(HRTEM)等分析方法,逐层研究了2500℃高温石墨化(HTT)处理前后双层热解炭基2D C/C复合材料的不同织构以及纤维-基体界面的变化.结果表明:HTT处理后,d002值减小,石墨化度显著提高;内层低织构热解炭的断口微观形貌与晶格条纹几乎没有变化,而外层高织构热解炭晶格条纹更加平直,尤其是发现层间裂纹密度明显增大,使得处理后的高织构热解炭在受力时,裂纹易于在层间扩展和偏转,因此可有效提高材料的韧性;同时,纤维-基体界面发生弱化也是提高材料韧性的另一机制.HTT处理前后试样的三点弯曲力学性能试验结果证实了以上机制.