The effect of basalt glass microspheres and microfibers on the wear resistance of metakaolin-based geopolymer composites

This study investigates the effect of various microfillers on the abrasion resistance of metakaolin-based, geopolymer composites. Comparative tests were conducted on a baseline geopolymer and composites reinforced with chamotte powder, basalt microfiber, prestressed, solid, basalt glass microspheres (PSBGM), and their combinations. Abrasion resistance was evaluated according to ASTM C501-21 using the Taber Abraser. The results demonstrate that prestressed, solid, basalt glass microspheres significantly enhance wear resistance, both individually and in combination with chamotte powder or basalt microfiber. Quantitative analysis indicates that basalt-based microfillers enhance abrasion resistance by a factor of 3 to 4. This is due to the high surface microhardness of prestressed, solid, basalt glass microspheres, produced using the superheated melt method, which is approximately 7.1 GPa on the Vickers scale. These results confirm the potential of basalt microfillers and geopolymer matrices for developing highly wear-resistant, fully inorganic, composite materials, coatings, and repair mixtures.