Low carbon footprint lightweight GPM production: Optimization of carbon fiber and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

This study examines the effects of using Carbon Fiber (CF) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) on the mechanical and thermal properties of ground Raw Perlite (RP) based Geopolymer Mortar (GPM). It focuses on determining the optimal dosages of CF and H₂O₂. This study aims to make perlite-based GPMs that form strong bonds with alkali activators lightweight, while also improving their compressive, tensile, flexural, and thermal properties. Sodium Silicate (Na₂SiO₃) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) were used as alkali activators, while H₂O₂ served as the foaming agent. The NaOH solution was 13 M, and Na₂SiO₃ was used with a 2-module specification. In this context, a reference GPM was prepared using RP and Crushed Sand (CS). CF was chosen for its advantages, such as low density, high Young's modulus and tensile strength. Various amounts of CF and H₂O₂ were used to determine the optimal dosage to achieve a durable and lightweight mortar. The results showed that the best performance was achieved with 1 % CF and 1 % H₂O₂. Compressive strength increased to around 3.5 MPa with the addition of 2 % H₂O₂ and 2 % CF. It was found that the use of CF provided significant protection in compressive and flexural strength, but increasing the fiber weight or volume ratio beyond a certain dosage could decrease strength efficiency. These findings support the use of 6 mm CF as a reinforcing material in GPMs within the construction industry while emphasizing the need to avoid exceeding a 2 % H₂O₂ ratio. The results of this research can be considered an important step toward developing environmentally friendly and durable building materials.