jismart2023040: The Effect of Sodium Hydroxide Concentration on Durability Properties of GGBS And PFA Geopolymer Mortar Cured in Ambient Condition

Abstract

This study delves into the durability attributes of geopolymer mortar cured under ambient conditions, employing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) as alkali activators. The research focuses on manipulating the NaOH molarity, spanning concentrations of 8 moles, 10 moles, 12 moles, and 14 moles, while maintaining a constant Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio of 1.2. The evaluation of durability encompasses water absorption tests, porosity analysis, and capillary tests conducted at both 7 days and 14 days of curing. The findings indicate that geopolymer mortar with a 10-mole NaOH concentration demonstrates superior durability, with notably lower rates of water absorption and porosity in comparison to other concentrations. In contrast, mortar with 8-mole NaOH concentrations initially exhibits higher absorption rates but demonstrates improvement over time, whereas formulations with 12 and 14 moles display increased porosity in later stages. These results underscore the pivotal role of NaOH concentration in influencing the durability properties of geopolymer mortar. The optimization of NaOH concentrations has the potential to enhance water resistance and prolong the lifespan of geopolymer materials.