Journal
POLYMERS
Volume 13, Issue 13, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/polym13132178
Keywords
geopolymer; epoxy; fracture toughness; tensile strength; flexural strength
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Funding
- Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Agency [154/SP2H/LT/DRPM/2021]
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This study investigated the effect of natural nanosilica on the mechanical properties and microstructure of geopolymer cement. The addition of 2 wt% nanosilica in the geopolymer paste significantly improved compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture toughness but decreased direct tensile strength. Microstructure analysis showed the formation of C-A-S-H gel and the development of a compact and cohesive geopolymer matrix with the addition of 2 wt% nanosilica.
Nanosilica produced from physically-processed white rice husk ash agricultural waste can be incorporated into geopolymer cement-based materials to improve the mechanical and micro performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural nanosilica on the mechanical properties and microstructure of geopolymer cement. It examined the mechanical behavior of geopolymer paste reinforced with 2, 3, and 4 wt% nanosilica. The tests of compressive strength, direct tensile strength, three bending tests, Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were undertaken to evaluate the effect of nanosilica addition to the geopolymer paste. The addition of 2 wt% nanosilica in the geopolymer paste increased the compressive strength by 22%, flexural strength by 82%, and fracture toughness by 82% but decreased the direct tensile strength by 31%. The microstructure analysis using SEM, XRD, and FTIR showed the formation of calcium alumina-silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel. The SEM images also revealed a compact and cohesive geopolymer matrix, indicating that the mechanical properties of geopolymers with 2 wt% nanosilica were improved. Thus, it is feasible for nanosilica to be used as a binder.
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