Publication: Evaluation of the mechanical and durability properties of ground granulated blast furnace slag based geopolymer composite reinforced with metallic, synthetic and inorganic fibers under extreme environmental conditions
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Date
2023-01-01
Authors
Khatib Zada Farhan
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Abstract
With the global emphasis on partial or full replacement of Portland cement-based products in the construction industry and with the advent of geopolymer composite as a potential replacement, efforts are being made to use fiber reinforcements in geopolymer composites to enhance its performance, longevity and service life. As an effective alternative to the conventional Portland cement binder, it is imperative to maximize the efficiency of clinker-free and low carbon geopolymer composites under normal as well as harsh environmental conditions. Current study evaluated the impact of incorporating metallic, polymer synthetic and inorganic fibers on the rheological, mechanical and durability properties of 100% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) based geopolymer composite under extreme environmental conditions. The metallic (steel), polymer synthetic (polypropylene) and inorganic (AR-glass) were incorporated in fibrous form in geopolymer composite to evaluate the impact of critical variables like fiber volume fractions, fiber length, alkaline solution monomer ratio and curing regime on the overall performance. Furthermore, the study also investigated the impact of incorporating ground glass fiber powder (GGF), an inorganic polymer waste, in geopolymer composite. The composite specimens with steel fiber showed relatively higher compressive and flexural strengths and overall higher thermal, sulfate/seawater and freeze-thaw resistance compared to the non-fibrous and other fibrous composite types. The composites with GGF 10%, as GGBFS replacement, showed an overall improved mechanical as well as durability properties. Even though the high temperature curing accelerates the geopolymerization process, that enhances the density and overall strength, the results favor the scope of in-situ usage of fibrous GGBFS based composite under ambient conditions with decent mechanical and durability related properties.