Alkali Activated Eco-friendly Metakaolin/Slag Geopolymer Building Bricks

Abstract

Alkali activation of alumino-silicate materials is a complex chemical process evolving dissolution of raw materials, transportation or orientation and polycondensation of the reaction products. This study explores the physico-mechanical characteristics of geopolymer bricks using eco-friendly slag/metakaolin binder. Alkaline activation of slag – metakaolin binder of geopolymer brick results in formation of C-A-S-H as well as N-A-S-H gel, which adopts different structures depending on the nature of the alkaline activator. Activators used are 10% NaOH solution in addition to 5% liquid sodium silicate both used from the total binder weight), Geopolymer bricks prepared by partial binder substitution of metakaolin (fired kaolin) by water cooled slag in the ratio from 0 up to 100 %, while the used fine sand(passing 1 mm) in the ratio of 15% from the total weight. The properties of the produced geopolymer bricks have been studied through measurement of compressive strength, water absorption, FTIR, XRD and SEM imaging. Results demonstrate the possibility of substitution of metakaolin by water cooled amorphous slag materials in producing geopolymer bricks with superior properties where an increase in mechanical strength with water cooled slag increase up to 40 %  was noticed giving compressive strength values exceed 70 MPa which can be used for production of  heavy duty  bricks which can be applied in a severe weathering condition as well as special purposes building applications, however further increase results in lowering strength values as a  but still exceed 30 MPa after 28 days of hydration.

Keywords: slag, metakaolin, bricks, eco-friendly, sustainability.