Effect of thermal treatment on the nano-structure and phase transformation of metakaolin-based geopolymers

Enhancement of the mechanical strength of metakaolin-based geopolymers activated with NaOH was attempted by calcining metakaolin at a higher temperature than that commonly reported. Increasing the calcination temperature from 750 degrees C to 1150 degrees C promoted the recrystallization of mullite. Two type of zeolite of sodium aluminum silicate hydrates were found in the geopolymers made of metakaolin calcined at 750 degrees C-1050 degrees C. The h-zeolite [Na6(AlSiO4)6 x H2O] was not found in the geopolymer made of metakaolin calcined above 900 degrees C, while Z-zeolite [Na2O x Al2O3 x SiO2 x H2O] remained in specimens calcined at up to 1050 degrees C, All zeolite disappeared above 1150 degrees C. The pozzolanic reaction generates very small particles of 10-30 nm on the surface of metakaolin grains of 0.2-0.6 μm, rendering the matrix denser by binding the grains. The maximum compressive strength was revealed with the geopolymer made of metakaolin calcined at 1050 degrees C. The reason for the increased strength of the geopolymer obtained using higher calcination temperature is thought to be the combined effects of matrix hardening by geopolymeric reaction and reinforcement by mullite crystal phases.