Mechanical properties and marine durability of epoxy resin-modified binary geopolymer composites

Abstract

As nations increasingly look to marine environments for resource exploration and development, the demand for construction materials that can endure the harsh conditions of seawater rises. Seawater contains corrosive ions such as Mg^2 +, Cl^-, and SO₄^2-, which can severely degrade conventional concrete, reducing its lifespan and hindering the growth of the marine industry. Therefore, green, energy-efficient, and durable materials need to be developed. This study introduced an innovative composite binary geopolymer created from metakaolin and slag and enhanced with epoxy resin, the geoploymer serves as a viable alternative to ordinary Portland cement. The research systematically assessed the influence of epoxy resin, slag, and curing temperature on the mechanical properties of the geopolymer through an orthogonal array. Durability tests, including carbonation, sulfate attack, and chloride ion penetration, were conducted to evaluate the material's performance under conditions resembling marine environments. The findings indicated that incorporating 20 % epoxy resin notably decreased the chloride ion permeability coefficient and improved resistance to carbonation and sulfate attack. Microscopic analyses demonstrated that the epoxy resin altered the microstructure, leading to an increasing denser and resilient material. This research underscores the potential of epoxy resin-modified geopolymers as a sustainable and robust solution for marine construction and thus contribute to advancements in marine engineering.