Enhancing Mechanical Strength of Inorganic Geopolymer Using Phenol Resin

The effect of organic phenol on the compressive and flexural strength of a metakaolin based geopolymer is studied. It was found that 12 wt% phenol resins can increase the compressive andflexural strength by 30% and 65%, respectively. In addition, the reinforcing effect of phenol resin ishigher in Na-PS and Na-PSS type geopolymers rather than Na-PSDS. Two distinct endothermic peakswere detected in DTA curve which can be attributed to the release of water from phenol resin and itsfinal thermal decomposition. The innovation of present research is the usage of water resistant phenolic resin as organic additive to geopolymer matrix.

Keywords:

Mechanical Properties , Geopolymer , Phenol Resin , Composite Materials