Development of high strength alkali activated binder using palm oil fuel ash and GGBS at ambient temperature

This study focused on production of high strength alkali activated binder by alkali activation of binary mix of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) at ambient temperature. Compression test was performed to assess mechanical properties of the mixture. Chemical tests were also conducted to investigate the role of calcium and aluminum ions from GGBS in the strength development. Formation of aluminum-substituted calcium silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel with a higher degree of crystallinity was observed when GGBS was added. Replacement of 50% POFA with GGBS increased the strength up to 92 MPa at 90 days. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.