Lightweight geopolymer composites with expanded perlite aggregates under different curing conditions

This study investigates the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight geopolymer mixesincorporating perlite based on the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). The compressive andflexural strength, as well as durability tests of geopolymer concrete samples with perlite aggregate, wereconducted. The use of a temperature of 70° C instead of 100° C in the perlite-based samples improved theproperties of the geopolymer specimens. Furthermore, increasing the curing time from 24 hours to 48hours enhanced the mechanical properties and durability of the samples. To achieve this, 35% of theaggregate was replaced with perlite, and the mechanical properties and durability of the samples werecompared under room temperature curing conditions and submerged conditions. The 7-day cured samplesat room temperature achieved significant strength without any energy consumption, surpassing thestrength of the samples with conventional curing. In some cases, the 7-day cured samples even exhibitedsuperior strength compared to the hot cured specimens.

Lightweight geopolymer composites with expanded perlite aggregates under different curing conditions Keywords:

Geopolymer , Permeability , Mechanical Properties , Slag , Perlite