Low molarity geopolymer concrete: Effects on compressive strength, elastic modulus, sorptivity and chloride migration
Authors :- Kumar M.; Kumar A.; Solanki D.; Mungule M.
Publication :- Construction and Building Materials, Volume 409, 15 December 2023, 134065
The present study explores the application of low molarity geopolymer concrete for structural applications. In this context, 35 compositions with 4 M and 6 M NaOH concentrations have been developed to yield compressive strength ranging from 10 to 40 MPa. The flow values at low water to binder (w/b) ratio are shown to be influenced by molarity of NaOH while it remains range bound at higher w/b ratio. The effect of curing conditions reveals low reactivity rate under ambient conditions with significant enhancements at elevated curing conditions. Three compositions with compressive strength of 30 ± 2 MPa have been further investigated for tensile strength, elastic modulus, plastic strain, sorptivity and chloride migration. The results reveal that despite similar compressive strength, the mix compositions have significant impact on the fresh and hardened properties indicating possibility of multiparameter optimization. The development of low molarity geopolymer concrete with possibility to optimize other structural/durability parameters in addition to compressive strength would enhance sustainability, economy and structural performance of geopolymer concrete.