Reactivity, workability and strength of potassium versus sodium-activated high volume fly ash-based geopolymers

摘要

Geopolymer is the product resulting from a geosynthetic reaction of aluminosilicate minerals in the presence of strong alkalis. This communication reports a comparative study on the utility of lower concentration of sodium and potassium hydroxides and alkali silicates at room temperature. The study reveals that the liquid demand is lower for geopolymers with potassium activators. The test results show that potassium activators lower the initial setting time, enhance the reactivity of the components and thereby improve the compressive strength. Sucrose and sucrose with tartrate are attempted as workability and set control aids. Sucrose provided workability in potassium geopolymer but decreased the strength.