Potential Evaluation for Preparing Geopolymers from Quartz by Low-Alkali Activation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Geochemistry
• Construction Engineering

Background:

• High alkali dosage in granite sawdust fusion improves geopolymerization but increases consumption and reduces performance.
• Quartz, an inert component in granite sawdust, presents challenges for geopolymerization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of low-alkali activation on quartz reactivity.
• To determine the impact of activated quartz on geopolymer compressive strength.
• To explore sustainable geopolymerization using granite sawdust.

Main Methods:

• Alkali fusion of granite sawdust with a focus on low alkali dosage (5%).
• Activation of quartz particles via alkali fusion.
• Synthesis of metakaolin-based geopolymer incorporating activated quartz.
• Measurement of geopolymer compressive strength.

Main Results:

• Quartz activation is dependent on the alkali dosage used.
• A low alkali dosage of 5% effectively activates quartz surface.
• Metakaolin-based geopolymer with 5% alkali-activated quartz achieved 41 MPa compressive strength.
• Enhanced interfacial interaction between activated quartz and geopolymer gel observed.

Conclusions:

• Low-alkali activation (5%) is sufficient to activate quartz in granite sawdust.
• Incorporating alkali-activated quartz significantly enhances geopolymer compressive strength.
• Low-alkali activation offers a promising strategy for improving granite sawdust geopolymerization and performance.