The Properties of Nano TiO₂-Geopolymer Composite as a Material for Functional Surface Application

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the properties of Nano TiO 2 -geopolymer as a material for functional surface applications such as walls, floors, bench top, arts and decoration materials. Class-C fly ash and metakaolin were used as raw materials to produce geopolymers pastes (binder). Geopolymers were synthesized through alkali activation method cured at 50C for 2 hours using molar oxide ratios of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 3.0, Na 2 O/SiO 2 = 0.2, and H 2 O/Na 2 O = 10. Nano TiO 2 was added into geopolymers paste at different concentration namely 0 wt%, 5wt%, 10wt% and 15wt % relative the weight of fly ash or metakaolin). The measurements were commenced after the samples aged 7 days. The samples made from fly ash were immersed in 1 M H 2 SO 4 solution for 3 days for acid resistance examination. The self-cleaning properties of the composites were observed by immersing the sample into red clays solution. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) was performed to examine the structure and phase of the samples before and after acid resistance measurement. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to examine the surface morphology of the resulting composites. The measurements results showed that Nano TiO 2 -geopolymers composite can be applied as functionally surface materials.