Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Publication
    Effect of anisotropic pores on the material properties of metakaolin geopolymer composites incorporated with corrugated fiberboard and rubber
    ( 2021) ; ; ; ;
    Low Foo Wah
    ;
    Ooi Wan-En
    ;
    Ilham Mukriz Zainal Abidin
    ;
    Noorhazleena Azaman
    This paper compares the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of metakaolin geopolymer (MKG) incorporated with anisotropic and isotropic pores. MKG was prepared by activation with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Corrugated fiberboard and rubber were included to create anisotropy of pores, and they were added in 3, 5, and 7 layers. Hydrogen peroxide and surfactant were added to generate isotropic pores. For geopolymer with corrugated fiberboard (MKG-C) and rubber (MKG-R), compressive test and thermal conductivity measurement were performed in perpendicular and parallel direction to the flat surface of fiberboard and rubber. The result showed that MKG-C and MKG-R exhibited mechanical and insulation anisotropically. The highest compressive strength was achieved in the parallel loading direction while the lowest thermal conductivity was attained in the perpendicular direction. MKG-C possessed better compressive strength of 26.9 MPa loaded in the parallel direction. The compressive strength performance of MKG-C was greater than MKG-R because of the fibrous-like structure, which further contributes to the strength. The thermal conductivity was low (0.15–0.20 W/mK) for both MKG-C and MKG-R. The anisotropy of pores led to high strength retention and improvement of thermal insulating properties. These properties were contrary to geopolymer with isotropic pores (MKG-F), which have excellent thermal insulating properties but low compressive strength to be eligible for structural applications.
  • Publication
    Effect of silica fume and alumina addition on the mechanical and microstructure of fly ash geopolymer concrete
    ( 2021)
    Fong Sue Min
    ;
    ; ; ;
    Hasniyati Md Razi
    ;
    Foo Wah Low
    ;
    Ng Hui-Teng
    ;
    Ng Yong-Sing
    This paper discussed the effect of the addition of silica fume (2 wt.% and 4 wt.%) and alumina (2 wt.% and 4 wt.%) on the properties of fly ash geopolymer concrete. The fly ash geopolymer concrete achieved the highest 28-day compressive strength with 2 wt.% of silica fume (39 MPa) and 4 wt.% of alumina (41 MPa). The addition of 2 wt.% of silica fume increased the compressive strength by 105% with respect to the reference geopolymer (without additive). On the other hand, the compressive strength surged by 115% with 4 wt.% of alumina compared to the reference geopolymer. The addition of additives improved the compactness of the geopolymer matrix according to the morphology analysis.
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  • Publication
    Turning waste into strength enhancing geopolymer composites with Oil Palm Frond Fibers (OPF)
    ( 2024-10)
    Ng Hui-Teng
    ;
    ; ; ;
    Muhammad Aqil Asyraf Bin Mohd Roslan
    ;
    Siti Khadijah Binti Zulkepli
    ;
    Tan You How
    ;
    Ng Yong-Sing
    Geopolymers are alternatives to ordinary Portland cement as construction materials. The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the utilization of industrial by-products and agricultural waste. The disposal of oil palm frond (OPF) biomass as waste in landfills poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective recycling strategies. This study examines the incorporation and feasibility of OPF as a reinforcing fiber in fly ash geopolymer composites, examining its impact on physical and mechanical properties. Various parameters were tested, including fiber content (10–20 wt.%), shapes (shredded and tubular), and lengths (1–3 cm). The geopolymer composites with 10 wt.% shredded oil palm frond and 1-cm tubular oil palm frond fibers enhance the compressive strength by 17% compared to the control sample without oil palm frond. The shredded oil palm frond was particularly effective, enhancing strength performance and achieving better dispersion within the geopolymer matrix. Conversely, increasing the fiber content and length generally resulted in diminished composite strength, attributed to the creation of a more porous structure and weaker fiber-matrix interactions. However, lower fiber additions were shown to decrease porosity and water absorption, highlighting the potential of optimized oil palm frond fiber content and form in improving the environmental and mechanical performance of geopolymer composites. These results support the viability of oil palm frond as a sustainable additive in geopolymers, contributing to waste reduction and material innovation in construction.