Experimental Investigation on Flyash Based Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

              Finding means of utilizing waste products is a very important field of research at the moment. In this study, fly ash, a waste product of the electricity and petrochemical industries, was investigated as a basic ingredient of a new geopolymeric material. The similarity of fly ash to natural pozzolon as has encouraged the use of this waste product in the synthesis of geopolymers, which, in turn, can best be viewed as consisting of a polymeric Si–O–Al framework. Manufacturing of the geopolymers was conducted by mixing fly ash, sodium silicate solution, NaOH and water. The samples were cured at 40, 50, 60 and 70 degree Centigrade for different time intervals (6, 24, 48 and 72 h). The optimum condition was found to be at 60 degree Centigrade for a period of 48 h. Compressive strength measurements show a maximum strength of almost 8 MPa after 28 days.