Influence of Activator Na2O Concentration on Residual Strengths of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar upon Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

The mechanical strength variation of ambient cured Alkali-activated mortar (AAS) upon exposure to elevated temperatures from 200 to 1200 degrees C was studied in this article. Slag was activated by the combination of sodium silicate liquid (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with different Na2O concentrations of 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% by slag weight. Mechanical properties comprising compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength before and after exposure were measured. Thermogravimetric analysis (Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG)), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were also used for strength alteration explanation. The results indicated that Na2O concentration influence on strength variation of AAS mortar was observed clearly at temperature range from ambient temperature to 200 degrees C. The melting alteration of AAS mortar after exposed to 1200 degrees C was highly dependent on concentrations of Na2O.