Figure 2 - uploaded by Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah
Content may be subject to copyright.
Source publication
This paper presents the development of a nano geopolymer for sustainable concrete using fly ash synthesized by high-energy ball milling. In this paper, we report on our investigation of the effects of grinding on the binder properties and the optimization of the mix design for nano geopolymer paste. The research methodology consisted of synthesizin...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... compressive tests were conducted to determine the strength attained at different ball milling durations. The compressive strength tests of all specimens were performed on the geopolymer paste samples in accordance with BS 1881-116:1983 by using mechanical testing with Automatic Max (Instron 5569, USA). The samples were compressed with 50 kN and with speed rate of 5 mm/min. Figure 2 shows the compressive strength results at one day and seven days for the fly ash geopolymer concrete with and without milled fly ash. The results show that fly ash with the finest particle size increased the compressive strength of the geopolymeric concrete because the as-milled particles of fly ash were an effective additive to the alkaline activator. In the alkaline solution, reactive alumino materials are dissolved rapidly, increasing the bonding with the nano fly ash additive. All the geopolymer samples set and form hard structure within 24 hours after curing in oven [12]. The particle sizes of fresh fly ash and as-milled fly ash are shown in Table 2. The average particle size of the fresh fly ash was 10 μ m, and, after ball milling for six hours, the size was reduced to approximately 60 nm. The ball milling results demonstrated that the binder fineness increased with milling time. Fly ash with particle sizes in the nano range will improve the strength of the hardened geopolymer concrete. The method for the size reduction of fly ash achieved by using a high-energy ball mill increased the compressive strength of nano geopolymer paste in proportion to the decreasing sizes of the milled fly ash particles. The average particle size was reduced from 10 μ m to 60 nm by the ball milling process. The structure surface of the nano-structured fly ash was more uneven then the surfaces of the fresh fly ash, which was essentially spherical in shape. Also, the shapes of the milled particles were more irregular then the shapes of the fresh fly ash. This study was funded by King Abdul Aziz City Science and Technology (KACST). The authors extend their thanks and appreciation to Centre of Excellence Geopolymer System Research and the School of Material Engineering, Universiti Malaysia, Perlis ...
Similar publications
The consideration of planetary ball mill processing is attempted to obtain modified fly ashes
powders that are used as substitutes in a cement paste. Ball milling conditions are related to
structural modifications of processed powders. These modifications are retrieved from X-ray
diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, powder granulometry, and scanning...
In this study, the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar composites containing different nanomaterials were investigated. Metakaolin (MK) and fly ash (FA) were used as binders in geopolymer mortar samples. Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (12 M) were used as alkali activators. Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MW-CNT)...
Mechanical activation is known to greatly influence the reactivity of fly ashes. In this paper, we report a comparative study of the properties of alkali-activated geopolymer materials prepared using both ball-milled and attrition-milled fly ashes. Ball milling was carried out for 30 min and 60 min while attrition milling was carried out continuous...
Geopolymers have been synthesized from mechanically activated lignite and brown coal y ash. Mechanical
activation of y ash has been carried out using laboratory ball mill. To determine the structural changes in both,
the y ash and the resulted geopolymer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed.
Isothermal conduction cal...
Due to the continuous shutdown of coal fired power plants, landfilled fly ash (FA) has become a substantial secondary resource for several branches of industry. The utilisation of FA as a raw material for geopolymerisation is becoming more and more widespread not only because of the appropriate reactivity of the base material, but also the environm...
Citations
... Despite some studies on the effect of nanomaterials on the mechanical properties of plain concrete as a binder [5,6], very little research has been done on the mechanical behavior of GC using nanoparticles and micro-fibers. Previous studies have mainly focused on using nano-silica [7,8] or nano-titanium oxide [9,10], with limited information on the effects of nano-silica. A recent study examined the use of nano CaCO3 in GC, finding that adding up to 2 percent of nano CaCO3 could improve its mechanical behavior, while adding 3 percent could have a detrimental effect [11]. ...
This study investigates the hardness and toughness characteristics of fly ash-based geopolymer composites (GC) with varying proportions of nano-silica. Four different levels of nano-silica (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight) were used, along with a constant 1% by weight of micro-glass fibers in the mix. The control mix comprised GC paste with 1% micro-glass fibers and 0% silica. Various properties of GC were evaluated, including impact strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and toughness indices. The results indicate that the addition of silica significantly enhances the hardness and toughness properties of micro-glass fiber-reinforced GC by strengthening interfacial zones and forming a denser matrix. The optimal silica concentration for GC to achieve the highest hardness and toughness properties is 2%.
... Alkali activators can sometimes be used in combinations. For example, Na₂SiO₃ is used in combination with NaOH to enhance the geopolymerization process [227]. As for aluminum-silicate sources, suitable materials with content structures such as kaolin, metakaolin, fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, silica fume, and red mud are preferred. ...
... As for aluminum-silicate sources, suitable materials with content structures such as kaolin, metakaolin, fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, silica fume, and red mud are preferred. Some of these aluminum-silicates are natural products, while others are presented as products resulting from industrial waste or recycling [154,227]. The alkali activator solution is then mixed with the prepared aluminum-silicate to ensure a homogeneous mixture. ...
... A paste-like product is obtained from this mixture, which is allowed to harden in ambient air for a specific period. Subsequently, the paste placed in molds is cured for a designated time in an oven at a specified temperature [227]. ...
As with all products worldwide, there is a high demand for components in the
automotive sector. In automotive technology, braking force and one of its
essential components, the brake pad, are indispensable safety mechanisms for
reducing or stopping the dynamic speeds of vehicles. Brake pads form a
composite structure with multiple materials as components. The braking system
is complemented by brake discs, the counter element to the brake pads. The
halting of the moving system is achieved through the opposing forces generated
by the friction between the two surfaces in contact. The presence of particles
detached from brake pads during friction has become increasingly important over
time. To reduce the chemicals polluting the atmosphere of our planet, the
materials in brake pads need to be selected to be more environmentally friendly
and nature-friendly. Therefore, using geopolimer material, an inorganic matrix,
instead of phenolic resin as the matrix in brake pads can be much more effective.
Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also exhibits behavior that is both
frugal in the face of material wear in brake pads and prevents excessive heating
against the brake disc. Additionally, utilizing specific components with hydraulic
activity to enable the complete hardening of friction material in an alkaline
environment as an "alkali-activated" inorganic binder can positively contribute to
both strength and friction properties in the development of new products. Thus,
it is observed that geopolimer-derived materials are particularly used as a binding
material in brake pads. The study provides insights into brake pads, materials,
geopolimer materials, and their use as a next-generation binder in brake pads.
... While some research has explored the impact of nanoparticles on concrete, studies focusing on the effect of nanomaterials specifically on GP mix efficiency are limited [13,14]. Previous studies have primarily investigated the use of titanium oxide [15,16] or silica [17,18] nanoparticles, with nano-calcium carbonate (calcium carbonate) receiving less attention. Studies have shown that adding 2% calcium carbonate is optimal for enhancing the mechanical and microstructural efficiency of GP mixes, although the impact of micro-fibers on this performance remains unexplored. ...
Geopolymers (GP) offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement, significantly reducing carbon emissions in concrete construction. However, the potential of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Fly Ash-based GP (HFGP) composites, which incorporate microfibers and nanoparticles, remains underexplored. This study aims to enhance the mechanical and microstructural properties of HFGP blends by adjusting the proportion of nano calcium carbonate. The HFGP was produced using 1% carbon fibers and 0.5% basalt fibers, with varying levels of calcium carbonate (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%). Results showed that the HFGP blend containing 3% calcium carbonate exhibited the highest levels of hardness, compressive strength, fracture toughness, impact strength, and flexural strength
... AlO 4 and SiO 4 tetrahedral structure units of the precursor aluminosilicate found in agricultural waste ash bind to one another by sharing oxygen atoms. Li + , Ca 2+ , K + , Ba 2+ , Na + , H 3 O + , and NH 3+ are positive ions that counteract the negative charge of alumina [104,105]. Moreover, it is hypothesized that the dimer and trimer oligomers that make up the particular unit 3D structures with macro-molecular structures are responsible for carrying out the fusions [106]. ...
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted, and a wide range of new inorganic geopoymer composite applications have emerged as a result. This innovative material can be made from agricultural waste sources rich in aluminosilicate, which provides best substitute for traditional cement in terms of both quality and cost. This paper presents the
state-of-the-art review of deploying agro-wastes as precursor for geopolymer concrete with the view to aggregating the
research studies of using agro waste ash-based geopolymer as the most auspicious, durable, inexpensive, user-friendly,
and eco-beneficial construction materials for the ong-term use. This paper thoroughly examines the rheological, work
ability, chemistry, and mechanical characteristics of agrowaste ash-based geopolymer concrete with emphasis on sug
arcane bagasse and banana peels ash. Sugarcane and green bananas (matooke) pay vital roles in East African agriculture,
economy and food security. The effects microstructures, curing conditions, molarity of metallic alkalis, proportioning of
akaline-binder ratio, aggregates content and size fractions effects on the behavior of geopolymer concrete were critically assessed. The study highlighted the abundance of these agro products which serve as staple food in East African
region, therefore, it becomes imperative to recycle its waste to produce durable concrete by way of waste management
strategy. As a vital component of the readily available building materials, they have a crucial role to play in providing the
construction sector with a sustainable outlook while concluding that agro-wastes are potential material that could be
a game changer for geopolymer concrete, a number of research gaps that worthy for further study were identified. The
findings of this review further demonstrates that agro-waste derivatives when used as binder materials in geopolymer
concrete can be a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional cementitious materials.
... Though some investigations have been performed to inspect the outcome of nanoparticles on the mechanical efficacy of concrete as a binder [48,49], a few works have been carried out to inspect the mechanical efficacy of GC making use of NP and micro-fibres. Additionally, previous investigations have taken either nano-alumina [50,51] or nano-titanium oxide [52,53] to manufacture GC comprising small information on the outcomes of nano-alumina. A recent investigation has inspected the use of nanoparticles of calcium carbonate up to a proportion of 3% in GC [40]. ...
... However, on the addition of nanomaterial in GOPL, a small number of investigations are available in the literary works. Previous research using nanomaterials in the construction composites was made on the use of nano calcium carbonate or nano-silica [41,42] or nano-titanium oxide [43,44]. A recent study on 3% calcium carbonate was performed by Assaedi et al. [30] having no MBF. ...
Geopolymers (GOPL) can play a vital role in the sustainability of concrete construction. The addition of nanoparticles and micro-fibers to GOPL can improve the mechanical and microstructural performance by densifying the matrix and providing the bridging effect against the internal cracking mechanism. Therefore, an extensive investigation on the improvement of the various characteristics of the GOPL is required to make it feasible for practical applications. Moreover, the combined effect of nanoparticles and micro-fibers on various features of GOPL needs further insights. This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, fracture, and toughness performance of micro-basalt fiber (MBF)-reinforced coal ash-made GOPL using different proportions of nano-sodium oxide at ambient curing conditions. The percentage of nano-sodium oxide examined in the present study varied from 0% to 4% by weight. The MBF amount is kept the same for all fabricated samples at 0.5% by weight. Scanning electron microscopy is used for assessing the microstructural cracking and failure behavior of GOPL pastes. The findings of the present study divulged that the usage of 3% nano-sodium oxide in MBF-reinforced GOPL mix presented the highest increase of 29%, 55%, 24%, and 60% for the compression strength, flexure strength, fracture toughness, and impact strength, respectively. Further increase in the content of nano-sodium oxide prompted the agglomeration of nanoparticles leading to a reduction in the performance of the GOPL. The outcomes of scanned electron microscopy delineated that the addition of nano-sodium oxide refined the interfacial regions and promoted the polymerization process of the GOPL which enriched the microstructure and fabricated a highly densified GOPL paste.
... Portland cement production is responsible for the emission of half of the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into the atmosphere because calcinations being done with the limestone, while the remaining is because of the combustion being done with fossil fuel [14]. Due to the excessive demand for concrete, an effort toward alternate binder concrete must be made [15]. It also helps reduce cracks formation due to shrinkage, which considerably occurs when we use cement in excess [16,17]. ...
... Apart from this, one more reason for using NaOH over KOH is because NaOH activator is less costly than KOH activator [76,96]. The basic solution for polymerization activation was made by mixing NaOH in 1 L flask and distilled water, resulting in an alkaline concentration of used molarity [15]. The properties of NaOH are given below in Table 6 [96][97][98]. ...
Concrete is a combination of cement, sand, aggregate, and water. Cement manufacturing causes the generation of various gases, mainly greenhouse gases like CO2 in the atmosphere. This CO2 is the leading cause of global warming, so it becomes essential to find a replacement for cement in the construction industry and use more eco-friendly construction materials. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has been growing in the last few decades due to several advantages, including improved strength, durability properties, and eco-friendly nature. The GPC consists of silica and alumina in large amounts with an alkaline solution. Due to the use of the alkaline solution to activate geopolymerisation reaction, it is called alkaline activated concrete (AAC). Herein, we reviewed the GPC material, mix proportion, strength influence parameters, and strength prediction method. In addition, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed to predict the compressive strength of GPC incorporating various materials. The predicted results using varying machine learning tools such as ANN, GEP, DNN, ResNet, GEP etc., demonstrate the accuracy and performance evaluation of the model. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and employ machine learning tools to predict the strength parameters of GPC for various construction works. In summary, this literature review provides a direction to engineers involved in a wide range in the construction industry using GPC.
... Portland cement production is responsible for the emission of half of the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into the atmosphere because calcinations being done with the limestone, while the remaining is because of the combustion being done with fossil fuel [14]. Due to the excessive demand for concrete, an effort toward alternate binder concrete must be made [15]. It also helps reduce cracks formation due to shrinkage, which considerably occurs when we use cement in excess [16,17]. ...
... Apart from this, one more reason for using NaOH over KOH is because NaOH activator is less costly than KOH activator [76,96]. The basic solution for polymerization activation was made by mixing NaOH in 1 L flask and distilled water, resulting in an alkaline concentration of used molarity [15]. The properties of NaOH are given below in Table 6 [96][97][98]. ...
Concrete is a combination of cement, sand, aggregate, and water. Cement manufacturing causes the generation of various gases, mainly greenhouse gases like CO2 in the atmosphere. This CO2 is the leading cause of global warming, so it becomes essential to find a replacement for cement in the construction industry and use more eco-friendly construction materials. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has been growing in the last few decades due to several advantages, including improved strength, durability properties, and eco-friendly nature. The GPC consists of silica and alumina in large amounts with an alkaline solution. Due to the use of the alkaline solution to activate geopolymerisation reaction, it is called alkaline activated concrete (AAC). Herein, we reviewed the GPC material, mix proportion, strength influence parameters, and strength prediction method. In addition, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed to predict the compressive strength of GPC incorporating various materials. The predicted results using varying machine learning tools such as ANN, GEP, DNN, ResNet, GEP etc., demonstrate the accuracy and performance evaluation of the model. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and employ machine learning tools to predict the strength parameters of GPC for various construction works. In summary, this literature review provides a direction to engineers involved in a wide range in the construction industry using GPC.
... The small size of nanomaterials (i.e. in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm) embodied them with high surface area as shown in Fig. 1 [15]. Due to the smaller size, they are capable of filling the nano and micro voids within the cementitious matrix [16,17]. Hence, the nanomaterials can fill the voids between cement particles and help in bridging the particles resulting in the accelerated formation of product networks [18,19]. ...
The need to enhance the mechanical performance of cement-based composites such as concrete and mortar has led to the development of various innovative ways to meet the current and future performance demand. The recent trend in cement-based composites technology has shown the viability of further enhancement of the mechanical performance of cement-based composites by the incorporation of nanomaterials. As the proportions of components in cement-based composites, it is paramount for the stakeholders in the construction industry to understand how nanomaterials affect the mechanical performance of these composites. Therefore, this overview was undertaken to investigates the effect of nanomaterials on the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. Results from various studies showed that the mechanical properties of cement-based composites can be improved with the incorporation of nanomaterials. The enhancement in the mechanical properties of the cement-based composites with the incorporation of nanomaterials was attributed to the pore filling effect of the nanomaterials coupled with the ability to accelerate hydration reaction which results in the formation of more products. It was also observed that the optimum dosage of nanomaterial varies with types. Therefore, it was recommended to determine the optimum dosage of these materials before its large-scale application.
... There is very little literature available on the inclusion of nanomaterial in geopolymers. Past studies of the impacts nanomaterials on construction composites used nano-sodium dioxide, nano-silica [24,25], or nano-titanium oxide [26,27]. Recent research on 3% nano-sodium dioxide (NS) was conducted by Assaedi et al. [21] without adding carbon fibers; in this work, it was uncovered that the addition of up to 2% of NS led to improvements in the mechanical properties of GPO mixes, and when the amount of NS was increased to 3%, there was a decrease in the mechanical properties of the GPO mix. ...
For a sustainable environment, geopolymer (GPO) paste can be used in the construction industry instead of Portland cement. Nowadays, sustainable construction and high-efficacy composites are demanding. Therefore, in the present investigation, the mechanical and microstructural efficacy of carbon-fiber-reinforced fly ash-based GPO with different percentages of nano-sodium dioxide (NS) were studied. The investigated percentages of NS were 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. For all the samples, the carbon fiber content was kept the same at 0.5% by weight. Different percentages of NS for all five fabricated GPO composite pastes were assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Various mechanical parameters of GPO—the compressive strength, toughness modulus, hardness, toughness indices, impact strength, fracture toughness, flexural strength, and elastic modulus—were evaluated. The results revealed that the use of 3% NS was the most effective for ameliorating the mechanical, microstructural, and fracture behavior of GPO. The use of 3% NS in carbon-fiber-reinforced GPO paste showed the maximum improvements of 22%, 46%, 30%, 40%, 14%, 38.4%, 50.2%, 31%, and 64% for the compressive strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, toughness modulus, hardness, compressive stiffness, bending stiffness, fracture toughness, and impact strength, respectively. The SEM study showed that the inclusion of NS improved the microstructure and delivered a denser GPO paste by improving the interfacial zones and quickening the polymerization reaction.
