Mechanical performance, microstructure, and porosity evolution of fly ash geopolymer after ten years of curing age
Journal
Materials
ISSN
1996-1944
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Ikmal Hakem A. Aziz
Jitrin Chaiprapa
Synchrotron Light Research Institute
Catleya Rojviriya
Synchrotron Light Research Institute
Petrica Vizureanu
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi
Andrei Victor Sandu
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi
DOI
10.3390/ma16031096
Abstract
This paper elucidates the mechanical performance, microstructure, and porosity evolution of fly ash geopolymer after 10 years of curing age. Given their wide range of applications, understanding the microstructure of geopolymers is critical for their long-term use. The outcome of fly ash geopolymer on mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics was compared between 28 days of curing (FA28D) and after 10 years of curing age (FA10Y) at similar mixing designs. The results of this work reveal that the FA10Y has a beneficial effect on strength development and denser microstructure compared to FA28D. The total porosity of FA10Y was also lower than FA28D due to the anorthite formation resulting in the compacted matrix. After 10 years of curing age, the 3D pore distribution showed a considerable decrease in the range of 5–30 µm with the formation of isolated and intergranular holes.
Subjects
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