Investigation of mechanical, physical and durability properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer

Due to their potential to lower CO2 emissions linked with the cement and concrete industries, geopolymer binders are a desirable alternative for Portland cement binders. However, if they are to become a viable alternative to conventional Portland cement materials, their resilience in harsh conditions has to be further investigated. This paper presented mechanical and short-term durability properties of metakaolin based geopolymer concrete at sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solutions exposed with the concentrations of 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% for 14 days. (0%) or unexposed sample also prepared as referral and comparison. The geopolymer concretes were synthesized using an alkali activation of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). The main objective of the study was to examine the durability and deterioration mechanism parameters like different acid percentages, changes in weight, compressive strength, density and water absorption. Morphology analysis also performed in this study. The results indicated that metakaolin geopolymer experienced some strength deterioration with increasing sulphuric concentration solutions which are from 32.58 MPa, 20.67 MPa and 4.25 MPa at unexposed (0%), 2% and 5% sulphuric acid immersion respectively. Furthermore, change in weight or mass loss and water absorption after the chemical attack resulted directly proportional to sulphuric acid concentration due to increment of crack on the sample. Among that, the metakaolin geopolymer submerged in 2% acid gives the optimum results in terms of durability, mechanical and physical qualities.