Formation of geopolymeric materials properties depending on the molar modules of SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/Na2O

Abstract

The construction sector is responsible for around 37% of global emissions of the carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Therefore, reducing gas emissions, in this construction sector, is particularly important ,given the progressing climate change. For this reason, limiting its emissions and limiting the emission of other greenhouse gases in this sector, is of particular importance in view of the progress of climate change. It is important that new construction products have less impact on the environment during their entire life cycle, and their production has been decoupled from the use of primary energy. In this work, selected properties of geopolymeric materials were examined. Geopolymers are inorganic aluminosilicate polymers with an amorphous microstructure, which may be an alternative in certain applications, for products based on Portland cement. Here, the properties of geopolymer mortars, i.e. porosity, microstructure and mechanical strength, were compared. The influence of the composition of reaction mixture on these properties, defined by the appropriate SiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/Na2O molar ratios, was also defined. The results show that increasing the content of SiO2 in relation to Al2O3 in the composition of the reaction mixture, reduces porosity. Thus, leading to a more compact microstructure and higher mechanical strength. A similar effect occurs when a higher NaOH solution concentration is used, in comparison to the sodium silicate [Na2SiO3] solution.