Evaluation, comparison and differentiation of geopolymers by studying microstructural

Abstract

Geopolymers are materials derived from an activation process materials with high content in silicon and aluminum, that in contact with an alkaline solution can acquire cementitious properties, and whose added value is to be environmentally friendly. This research have like objective to determine the efficiency of geopolymers using two different types of fly ash (FA) as a possible replacement of an alternative material to cement Portland (CP). The manufacturing process consisted of the FA activation using NaOH, the tests conducted included the chemical characterization of the FA through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD); as well as the determination of the compressive strength at various ages curing according to ASTM C10 and development of crystalline phases by XRD. The results showed that with increased age curing is achieved the development of resistance and the generation of crystalline phases, also acquiring compression strength above of 20 MPa at the age of 14 days cure.