Advancing Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers: Investigating Molarity's Role in Microstructure and Mechanical Performance

Authors

  • Moustafa Habib Chenafi Structures Rehabilitation and Materials Laboratory (SREML), University Amar Telidji, Laghouat, 03000, Algeria
  • Zoubir Makhloufi Structures Rehabilitation and Materials Laboratory (SREML), University Amar Telidji, Laghouat, 03000, Algeria, Civil Engineering Department, University Amar Telidji, Laghouat, 03000, Algeria
  • Hichem Berkak Structures Rehabilitation and Materials Laboratory (SREML), University Amar Telidji, Laghouat, 03000, Algeria, Department of Structures and Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algiers, Algeria
  • Ahmed Othmane Bekkai Structures Rehabilitation and Materials Laboratory (SREML), University Amar Telidji, Laghouat, 03000, Algeria,

Abstract

This research examines the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration on the synthesis, the physical and mechanical characteristics of metakaolin-based geopolymer mortars. Geopolymers were cured at 65°C with different NaOH molarities (6–16 M), and their bulk density, total porosity, compressive strength, and flexural strength were meticulously analyzed. The inquiry used sophisticated microstructural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to elucidate significant phase shifts and structural alterations.The findings indicate that the geopolymers produced with both lower and higher NaOH concentrations had enhanced physical and mechanical capabilities. XRD examination verified the existence of predominant crystalline phases of metakaolin and the development of a novel amorphous geopolymeric phase. This thorough methodology elucidates the ideal circumstances for improving geopolymer efficacy, offering significant insights for advanced material innovation.

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Published

2025-12-05

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles