The properties, microstructure, and processing of potassium-based geopolymer (K2O·Al2O3·4SiO2·11H2O) composites made with basalt chopped fibers have been systematically studied. Geopolymers were manufactured at ambient temperature and cured in a humidity controlled, constant temperature oven at 50°C. The effects of varying weight percents of fibers, the presence of a polymer sizing, and processing methods were examined by comparing the strength and work of fracture of each sample with pure geopolymer. Basalt chopped fibers with a length of 1/4 inch increased the strength of a bend bar broken in a three point flexural test from an average of 1.7 MPa to an average of 19.5 MPa. Weibull statistics were analyzed and indicated a systematic and significant improvement in reliability due to the addition of chopped basalt fibers.
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