Influence of alkali activation and curing conditions on non-conventional fly ash bricks

Geopolymer bricks, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional bricks, are developed in the current study, using fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and fine aggregate, activated with alkaline solutions. Here, the effect of alkaline activators and the temperature for curing on the strength performance of non-conventional fly ash bricks has been investigated. The experiments were conducted at varying molarity, S/H ratio and curing temperatures to evaluate their effects on the geopolymerization process. The results indicate that higher molarity and increased S/H ratios significantly improved strength and durability while reducing water absorption, indicating lower porosity and enhanced resistance to environmental degradation. The combined effect of elevated curing temperatures further promoted the formation of a dense and less permeable geopolymer matrix, leading to superior long-term performance. These findings highlight the critical role of molarity, S/H ratio, and curing temperature in governing the mechanical and durability characteristics of developed bricks, thereby paving the way for sustainable construction materials with enhanced performance.