Behavior of Alkali-Activated Metakaolin Pastes Blended with Quartz Powder Exposed to Seawater Attack
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 8
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to investigate the resistance of alkali-activated metakaolin (AAMK) paste specimens blended with different amounts of quartz powder (QP) against different environmental conditions. Metakaolin (MK) was partially substituted with QP at levels of 10, 20, 30, and 40%, by weight. After initial curing, specimens were exposed to different conditions including air, potable fresh water, and seawater up to 12 months. Compressive strength before exposure as well as strength deterioration ratio (SDR) after exposure were determined. The mineralogical compositions for selected mixtures before and after exposure to seawater attack were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and compared with those cured in lab air. The microstructure and morphology were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the incorporation of QP in MK-based geopolymers seemed as promising candidates for marine structure applications.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
ASTM. 2016. “Standard test method for compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars (using 2-in or [50-mm] cube specimens).” ASTM C109/C109M. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Bernal, S. A., and J. L. Provis. 2014. “Durability of alkali-activated materials: Progress and perspectives.” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 97 (4): 997–1008. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.12831.
Bignozzi, M. C., S. Manzi, I. Lancellotti, E. Kamseu, L. Barbieri, and C. Leonelli. 2013. “Mix-design and characterization of alkali activated materials based on metakaolin and ladle slag.” Appl. Clay Sci. 73: 78–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2012.09.015.
Bing-hui, M., H. Zhu, C. Xue-min, H. Yan, and G. Si-yu. 2014. “Effect of curing temperature on geopolymerization of metakaolin-based geopolymers.” Appl. Clay Sci. 99: 144–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2014.06.024.
Borges, P. H. R., N. Banthia, H. A. Alcamand, W. L. Vasconcelos, and E. H. M. Nunes. 2016. “Performance of blended metakaolin/blastfurnace slag alkali-activated mortars.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 71: 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.04.008.
Burciaga-Díaz, O., J. I. Escalante-García, R. Arellano-Aguilar, and A. Gorokhovsky. 2010. “Statistical analysis of strength development as a function of various parameters on activated metakaolin/slag cements.” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 93 (2): 541–547. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1551-2916.2009.03414.x.
Fernandez-Jimenez, A., I. Garcìa-Lodeiro, and A. Palomo. 2007. “Durability of alkali-activated fly ash cementitious materials.” J. Mater. Sci. 42 (9): 3055–3065. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-006-0584-8.
Gao, K., K.-L. Lin, D. Y. Wang, C.-L. Hwang, B. L. A. Tuan, H.-S. Shiu, and T.-W. Cheng. 2013. “Effect of nano- on the alkali-activated characteristics of metakaolin-based geopolymers.” Constr. Build. Mater. 48: 441–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.07.027.
Hamaideh, A., K. Komnitsas, M. Esaifan, J. K. Al-kafawein, H. Rahier, and M. Alshaaer. 2014. “Advantages of applying a steam curing cycle for the production of kaolinite-based geopolymers.” Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 39 (11): 7591–7597. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-014-1314-1.
Komnitsas, K., and D. Zaharaki. 2009. “Utilisation of low-calcium slags to improve the strength and durability of geopolymers.” In Geopolymers structure, processing, properties and industrial applications, 343–375. Cambridge, UK: Woodhead Publishing.
Kuenzel, C., L. M. Grover, L. Vandeperre, A. R. Boccaccini, and C. R. Cheeseman. 2013. “Production of nepheline/quartz ceramics from geopolymer mortars.” J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 33 (2): 251–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2012.08.022.
Palomo, A., M. T. Blanco-Varela, M. L. Granizo, F. Puertas, T. Vazquez, and M. W. Grutzeck. 1999. “Chemical stability of cementitious materials based on metakaolin.” Cem. Concr. Res. 29 (7): 997–1004. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(99)00074-5.
Papa, E., V. Medri, E. Landi, B. Ballarin, and F. Miccio. 2014. “Production and characterization of geopolymer based on mixed compositions of metakaolin and coal ashes.” Mater. Des. 56: 409–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2013.11.054.
Rashad, A. M. 2013a. “Alkali-activated metakaolin: A short guide for civil engineer—An overview.” Constr. Build. Mater. 41: 751–765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.12.030.
Rashad, A. M. 2013b. “Metakaolin as cementitious material: History, scours, production and composition—A comprehensive overview.” Constr. Build. Mater. 41: 303–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.12.001.
Rashad, A. M. 2014. “An exploratory study on alkali-activated slag blended with quartz powder under the effect of thermal cyclic loads and thermal shock cycles.” Constr. Build. Mater. 70: 165–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.06.097.
Rashad, A. M. 2015. “Metakaolin: Fresh properties and optimum content for mechanical strength in traditional cementitious materials—A comprehensive overview.” Rev. Adv. Mater. Sci. 40 (1): 15–44.
Rashad, A. M., A. A. Hassan, and S. R. Zeedan. 2016. “An investigation on alkali-activated Egyptian metakaolin pastes blended with quartz powder subjected to elevated temperatures.” Appl. Clay Sci. 132: 366–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2016.07.002.
Rashad, A. M., and A. S. Ouda. 2016. “An investigation on alkali-activated fly ash pastes modified with quartz powder subjected to elevated temperatures.” Constr. Build. Mater. 122: 417–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.06.068.
Rashad, A. M., and S. R. Zeedan. 2012. “A preliminary study of blended pastes of cement and quartz powder under the effect of elevated temperature.” Constr. Build. Mater. 29: 672–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.10.006.
Rashad, A. M., S. R. Zeedan, and H. A. Hassan. 2012. “A preliminary study of autoclaved alkali-activated slag blended with quartz powder.” Constr. Build. Mater. 33: 70–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.12.104.
Slatly, F., H. Khoury, H. Rahier, and J. Wastiels. 2015. “Durability of alkali activated cement produced from kaolinitic clay.” Appl. Clay Sci. 104: 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2014.11.037.
Wang, M. R., D. C. Jia, P. G. He, and Y. Zhou. 2010. “Influence of calcination temperature of kaolin on the structure and properties of final geopolymer.” Mater. Lett. 64 (22): 2551–2554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2010.08.007.
Yip, C. K., G. C. Lukey, and J. S. J. van Deventer. 2005. “The coexistence of geopolymeric gel and calcium silicate hydrate at the early stage of alkaline activation.” Cem. Concr. Res. 35 (9): 1688–1697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.10.042.
Zhang, Z., X. Yao, and H. Zhu. 2010. “Potential application of geopolymers as protection coatings for marine concrete. I: Basic properties.” Appl. Clay Sci. 49 (1–2): 1–6.
Zibouche, F., H. Kerdjoudj, J. B. D. E. de Lacaillerie, and H. Van Damme. 2009. “Geopolymers from Algerian metakaolin: Influence of secondary minerals.” Appl. Clay Sci. 43 (3–4): 453–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2008.11.001.
Zuhua, Z., Y. Xiao, Z. Huajun, and C. Yue. 2009. “Role of water in the synthesis of calcined kaolin-based geopolymer.” Appl. Clay Sci. 43 (2): 218–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2008.09.003.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 8 • August 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 2, 2017
Accepted: Jan 12, 2018
Published online: May 21, 2018
Published in print: Aug 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Oct 21, 2018
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.