Strength and thermal behavior of low weight foam geopolymer using circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash

A comparative study of the influence of elevated temperature on foam geopolymer using circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash (CFA) was reported. Foam geopoymers were prepared with different amounts of foam agent and different SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratios of 3.1, 3.4, and 3.8. The mechanical, thermo-physical properties and microstructure of the foam geopolymers before and after exposure to elevated temperature of 800, 1000, and 1200 A degrees C were investigated. The specimen with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 3.8 exhibits the highest compressive strength, better microstructure and dimension stability before and after firing. Carnegeite, nepheline, and zeolite crystalline phases appearing after exposure may contribute to the good post-exposure strength. Low weight foam geopolymer using CFA can increase strength and maintain higher stability as high as 1000 A degrees C.