Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Microwave Synthesis Fly Ash Based Geopolymer for Building Applications

L. I. Atiku, A. Y. Omeiza, Z. Y. Ladan

Abstract: Fly ash is a major by-product from power stations. It is can be used to produce geopolymers materials at low temperatures in alkali solutions. Heat curing is used to improve the reaction and strength of geopolymers. Microwave is an innovative tool to heat the geopolymers and influenced the chemical reactions and enhanced the geopolymer strength. In this study the effect of microwave heating on the mechanical and thermal properties of geopolymers was discussed. This study discussed the compressive strength of room temperature and microwave heated geopolymers. The geopolymers were heated in microwave for 10, 15 and 20 minutes respectively. SEM results showed that the microstructures changed with increasing microwave heating time. Porosity and density results obtained showed a relationship with microwave heating. Higher compressive strength was obtained for the geopolymers with microwave heating compared to room temperature cured geopolymer. Also the results obtained showed that microwave synthesis geopolymers have good potentials to be used as blocks for buildings and as well for insulations for building walls.

Keywords: Fly ash, Geopolymer, Microwave, Temperature, Compression