Influence of alkali cation on the mechanical properties and durability of fly ash based geopolymers

This research has provided information about the influence of alkali cations (Na+ and K+) on the mechanical properties and durability of fly ash based geopolymers. The results have shown that alkali cations have a strong influence on the mechanical properties of fly ash based geopolymers. K-geopolymers generally reach a higher value of compressive strength in comparison to Na- geopolymers. On the other hand, microstructure and phase composition of fly ash based geopolymers are not influenced by the nature of alkali cations. The ratio of main gel structure forming elements is practically not affected by the nature of alkali cations. Durability of fly ash based geopolymers in different aquatic environments is greatly dependent on the choice of alkali cations. Na- geopolymers are generally more resistant in water and aggressive environments than the K-geopolymers. The best durability of fly ash based geopolymers was observed in sea water.