Effects of Different Kinds of Defoamer on Properties of Geopolymer Mortar

As a new type of green inorganic material, geopolymers have excellent mechanical properties, durability, and less environmental pollution. It is considered a new building material that can replace cement, but it also has some disadvantages such as high viscosity, poor fluidity, and more apparent pores after hardening. In this study, the uniaxial compressive strength test of geopolymer mortar was carried out, and the effects of alkali equivalent, alkali activator modulus, bone glue ratio, and silica fume content on the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar were analyzed. The test results show that when the alkali equivalent is 13%, the alkali activator modulus is 1.4, the bone glue ratio is 2.0, the silicon powder content is 8%, and the metakaolin-based geopolymer mortar has higher uniaxial compressive strength. Through the comparative test of adding different kinds of defoamers and dosage, the effect of defoamers on the compressive strength, fluidity, density, and water-absorption of geopolymer mortar was further studied. The fluidity, density, and water-absorption were improved, and the uniaxial compressive strength was reduced. The formation of cementitious material in the mortar was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. It was found that the pore structure and pore distribution changed with the content of different defoaming agents, and the microstructure of mortar after defoaming agent material treatment was shown. The proportion and distribution of Na, Al, and Si atoms were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This experimental study shows that the defoamer can be an effective additive for geopolymer mortar.

Automated summary

Geopolymers, as a new type of green inorganic material, have excellent mechanical properties and durability, but also have some disadvantages. This study investigated the uniaxial compressive strength of geopolymer mortar and analyzed the effects of alkali equivalent, alkali activator modulus, bone glue ratio, and silica fume content on the mechanical properties. Additionally, the study examined the impact of defoamers on the compressive strength, fluidity, density, and water-absorption of geopolymer mortar, confirming that defoamers can be effective additives for geopolymer mortar.