Investigation of geopolymer binders with respect to their application for building materials

Abstract

Geopolymer binders based on a commercial metakaoline, water glass and sodium hydroxide have been investigated with respect to their application for building materials. Mixture compositions with favourable properties couldbe identified. For the production of building materials, a process technology at ambient temperature may be less feasible due to delayed setting and strength evolution. Therefore curing at elevated temperatures was tested. A heat treatment at 75°C for 4 hours yields satisfactory results. With this production technology geopolymer binders seem to be suitable for selected building materials like reinforced particle boards. This is on the one hand due to a long processing time together with a rapid strength development during temperature treatment. On the other hand they develop desirable properties like water resistivity, limited shrinkage and sufficient strength values.