Ground granulated blast furnace slag based Geopolymer Mortar activated with low concentration alkali

Abstract

Infrastructural development requires large quantity of Ordinary Portland cement. Its manufacturing process emits enormous amount of carbon dioxide, thereby deteriorating the environment. Thus, an alternative binder known as geopolymer, developed using alumino-silicate rich materials like fly ash, silica fume, metakaoline etc., activated by suitable alkalis may serve as a substitute to conventional cement. The present research work focuses on preparation of ground granulated blast furnace slag based geopolymer mortar with ambient temperature curing at 27°C at low concentration of alkali activators. Compressive strength of geopolymer mortar at different concentration of activator and microstructure isstudied. The concentration of alkali activators is optimized by trials in laboratory and maximum compressive strength of 64.29 MPa is achieved.