Morphology and microstructure of waste material-based geopolymer with flyash, eggshell powder, and soft soil

The morphological and microstructural evolution of flyash (FA), eggshell powder (ESP), and soft soil (S) geo-polymer was studied. The variable parameters for synthesis was precursor concentration (10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %) in soft soil, whereas ESP:FA ratio as 50:50, Na2SiO3:NaOH ratio as 70:30, and curing condition as 50 degrees C for 7 days were the fixed parameters. The effect of these parameters on the geopolymerization was explained using field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy including an energy dispersive X-ray spec-trometer and mapping. The calcium aluminate silicate hydrate gel co-existed along with the highest cementitious product. The geopolymeric gel structure filled the voids between soft soil particles and reinforced the whole matrix.

Automated summary

The morphological and microstructural evolution of flyash (FA), eggshell powder (ESP), and soft soil (S) geo-polymer was studied. The effects of different synthesis parameters on the geopolymerization process were explained. The results showed the coexistence of calcium aluminate silicate hydrate gel and the highest cementitious product. The geopolymeric gel structure filled the voids between soft soil particles and reinforced the whole matrix.