• Computers and Concrete
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.489-501
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• 2024

Geopolymers are part of a class of materials characterized by properties combining polymers, ceramics, and cement. These include exceptionally high thermal and chemical stability, excellent mechanical strength and durability in aggressive environments. This work deals with the synthesis, characterization, and sustainability evaluation of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers by alkaline activation of a granulated blast furnace slag-metakaolin mixture. In the first step, elemental and oxide analyses by XRF and EDS showed that the main constituents of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers are silicon, sodium, and aluminium oxides. The structural analyses by XRD and FTIR confirmed that the geopolymerization for GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers did occur, accompanied by the formation of disordered networks from the blends and a modification to the microstructure by the geopolymerization process. Similarly, the microstructural study made by SEM showed that the GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers are constituted by aluminosilicates in the form of dense clusters on which are adsorbed particles of unreacted GBFS in the form of spheroids and white residues of the alkaline activating solution. In addition, the study of the sustainability evaluation of GP_GBFS-MK geopolymers showed that the water absorption of geopolymeric materials is lower than that of OPC cement. As for the elevated temperature resistance, the analyses indicated an excellent elevated temperature resistance of GP_GBFS-MK. In the same way, the study of the resistance to chemical aggressions showed that the GP_GBFS-MK geopolymeric materials are unattackable, contrary to the OPC cement-based materials which are strongly altered.