ROLE OF THE SYNTHESIS METHOD ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF METAKAOLIN-BASED POTASSIUM GEOPOLYMERS

• Published in: Ceramics (Praha) Vol. 58; no. 3; pp. 215 - 222
• Main Authors: Gao, X, Joussein, E, Michaud, P, Rossignol, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic 01.01.2014; University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
• Subjects: Alkaline solution; Ceramics; Chemical Sciences; Compressive strength; Curing; Curing condition; Material chemistry; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Porosity; Potassium; Scandium; Synthesis; Synthesis methodology; Temperature effect; Temperature effect; Alkaline solution; Compressive strength; Curing condition; Microstructure; Synthesis methodology
• ISSN: 0862-5468; 1804-5847

The synthesis method used has an important effect on the development of the compressive strength of materials. An attempt was made to study the effect of synthesis temperature (30 C and 70 C), curing condition (dried and sealed curing) and alkaline solutions (commercial alkaline solution (Sc) and laboratory alkaline solution (Sl)) on compressive strength development in metakaolin-based potassium geopolymers. The microstructure of these geopolymers was characterised using thermal analysis as well as porosity and microscopic observations, and the results are discussed. The total porosity was found to play a negative role on the strength. Synthesis at a lower temperature showed a better compressive strength due to the lower porosity and smaller pore sizes. The Sl geopolymers showed a better compressive strength than the Sc ones due to their lower porosity. It was also found that the reaction was hindered when the samples were cured under a dried curing condition.