Research

Engineering Sciences

Title :

Optimization and Life Cycle Assessment of the One Part Alkali Activator Solution for the Production Geopolymer Composites

Area of research :

Engineering Sciences

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Sivasakthi M, Sathyabama Institute Of Science And Technology (Deemed To Be University), Tamil Nadu

Timeline Start Year :

2022

Timeline End Year :

2025

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Geopolymer is a popular alternative binder material for Portland Cement (OPC) due to its advantages such as lower CO2 emissions, low embodied energy, and high early strength. However, the preparation process involves solid alumino silicate sources and liquid alkali silicate solution, which can be corrosive and difficult to store, transport, and handle. The sodium solution preparation, which involves NaOH lye, sodium silicate solution, and water, can be a challenge due to the exothermic reaction and the need to add the required solution one day before casting. This limits the use of geopolymer in practical cast in-situ applications. Research has focused on developing one-part geopolymer, which involves adding water to the solid source and alumino silicate source. However, this method requires temperature for activating reactive species and requires mixing with dry sources. The setting time for one-part geopolymer based on fly ash and GGBS is higher, but the workability is lower compared to two-part geopolymer. The mechanical strength is similar or lower than two-part geopolymer. This project aims to optimize the one-part alkaline solution for geopolymer production with low alkalinity, making it more user-friendly in field conditions. The study will also study the life time and stability of the one-part alkaline solution using chemical characterization, microstructure, and kinetics studies.

Total Budget (INR):

26,76,025

Organizations involved