Effects of Nano-SiO2 on Setting Time and Compressive Strength of Alkaliactivated Metakaolin-based Geopolymer

Abstract

This study presents a discussion on the effects of different solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratios (0.97 to 1.19) and nano- SiO2 (NS) percentages (0% to 3%) on some properties of metakaolin (MK)-based geopolymers. The setting time and compressive strength were investigated. Mercury intrusion porosimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the microstructure of the samples. The results show that a MKbased geopolymer sample added 1% NS with the S/L ratio of 1.03 exhibits more strength and less porosity. Applying NS to the geopolymer enhances compactness and increases strength. Therefore, nanotechnology can be used to improve geopolymers.