Fathi Shaqour
University of Jordan, Jordan
Biography
Abstract
An experimental investigation was conducted on alkali activated kaolinite clay using sodium hydroxide solution. XRD analyses were conducted to determine the mineral composition of the mixture components. Also thermo-gravimetric analysis attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to investigate the microstructure of the alkali-activation products. The alkali activation of kaolinite with the NaOH alkaline solution produced a binding agent identified as hydroxysodalite phase (Na8Al6Si6O24 (OH)2·4H2O) when pure kaolinite was used. Mechanical strength of the produced polymer was evaluated on cylindrical specimens containing quartz sand as a filler material under dry and after 5, 10 and 20 F-T cycles. The recorded strength value of freshly produced samples was in the range of 35 MPa. Addition of 10% CKD resulted in strength increase to about 40 MPa (about 15% higher). Durability tests on samples without CKD showed a reduction in strength of 22% due to 20 F-T cycles, while specimens prepared with addition of 10% cement dust (CKD) showed less reduction of about 10% as a result of F-T cycles. The produced inorganic polymer could form a high strength environmentally friendly construction material. Addition of 10% CKD enhanced both the strength and durability of the produced inorganic polymer.