Performance of Alternate Superplasticizers on Performance of Self-compacting Geopolymer Mortars—An Experimental Study

Abstract

Geopolymer binders are the best alternatives to Ordinary Portland cement in the view of carbon impact on the environment. The effect of addition of different types of superplasticizers (SPs) on the flow and compressive strengths of a class of self-compacting geopolymeric mortar (SCGM) mixes is investigated in the present study. Three different kinds of SPs, namely modified Polycarboxylate Ether (MPCE), Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE), and Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF), were used in the production of SCGM with varying proportions at 1, 1.5, and 2% by weight of the binder. Results revealed that modified PCE-based SP showed better results in flow and compressive strength (CS) in comparison to PCE and SNF-based SPs. However, an increase in the dosage of SP had less/adverse effect on the flow properties. A maximum slump flow of 270 mm was observed for a modified PCE-based SP at 1.5% dosage, while the highest CS of 34 MPa was observed at 1.5% dosage of the same SP. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were carried out on a few selected SCGM mixes. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.