Strength and durability studies on fly ash based geopolymer bricks

Geopolymer, an inorganic alumina silicate polymer is synthesized predominantly from silicon and aluminum materials or from by product materials like fly ash. The application of geopolymer technology substantially reduces the CO2 emissions by the cement industries and utilizes the solid waste materials such as fly ash. The fresh geopolymer mortar has stiff consistency and high viscosity. Further, the chemical reaction is fast. To evaluate the performance of geopolymer bricks, the tests namely Compressive Strength, Split Tensile Strength and Flexural strength are conducted. The objective of present investigation is to improve the quality of geopolymer mortar through special treatments and study the property, particularly the acid resistance. The durability tests such as water absorption test and acid resistance test (HCl and H2SO4) are also conducted. The main focus of the investigation is on optimum utility of the available fly ash and minimizing the water absorption and attaining high compressive strength.