Effect of Molarity of Sodium Hydroxide Solution Over GGBS-based Self Compacting Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Applications of geopolymer concrete are increasing at a faster rate globally and are actively replacing cement concrete in all its facets. Regarding this, the advancement of, self-compacting geopolymer concrete is inevitable. The present study deals with the investigation of the effect of the molarity of sodium hydroxide solution that is to be used as part of an alkaline solution, over self-compacting and hardened properties of geopolymer concrete. Ground granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) is used as precursor material; hence, ambient curing is adopted. The alkaline activator solution is a combination of silicate solution and hydroxide based on sodium. In this work, the hydroxide solution’s molarity is varied to 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18. Self-compacting properties are investigated through spread flow, T-50, V-funnel test, and L-box. The compressive strength of the hardened concrete is investigated over 7 and 28 days. Further water absorption test was also assessed in this investigation to determine the basic durability. All the specimens with different molarities exhibited fair self-compacting properties. Further optimum molarity required for the synthesis of self-compacting geopolymer concrete with fair compressive strength and excellent reduced water absorption capability is determined. The findings of this work tend to augment significant contributions to the geopolymer concrete in the facets of self-compacting nature.