Characterization of Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of FA and GGBS-Based Geopolymer Mortar Cured in Ambient Condition

Abstract

Fly ash-based geopolymer mortars require heat curing to achieve its properties, which limits its practical application at ambient conditions. The present study was aimed to accomplish the need for application of fly ash-based geopolymers for practical viability without any heat curing by inclusion of ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The results revealed that inclusion of GGBS as a partial replacement to fly ash (FA) in geopolymer mortar, which is cured in ambient curing condition, can be able to achieve required setting time and compressive strength. Amalgamation of GGBS with class FA as binder in geopolymerization lend a hand to attain compressive strength as well as setting time which is analogous to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Microstructural properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.