Design of a Geopolymer Based on Fly Ash and Metakaolin with a Solid, Liquid, and Powdered Alkaline Activator at High Temperatures

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 712 726
    By

    Ishant Dahat,

  • Bhushan H. Shinde,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, G H Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, G H Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

In this work, the fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer concrete activated using solid, liquid, and powder alkaline activator systems, including fly ash and different amounts of metakaolin, are examined. Compressive and flexural strengths were assessed at 7 and 28 days in accordance with IS 516 (1959). Workability was evaluated using a slump test in accordance with IS 1199 (Part 2): 2018. At an ideal replacement level of 30%, the results indicate that strength improvement is directly proportional to the increase in metakaolin; above this level, limited workability and partial geopolymerization result in a decrease in strength. The strength performance of liquid activators is the highest among other activator systems, followed by powder activators; solid activators, on the other hand, create the least amount. However, the solid-activated system still led to strength development, enhancing handling ease and reducing safety risks relative to liquid chemicals, making it a far better choice for field applications where storing and transporting liquids pose problems. While SEM microstructural analysis showed lower porosity and a denser gel structure in liquid-activated systems compared to solid and powder systems, X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that these mixes exhibited greater geopolymerization and a larger amorphous phase. The best results were obtained with a liquid system containing 70% fly ash and 30% metakaolin. However, the good workability and durability of solid activators demonstrate that they can be used in less severe structural fill applications, thereby extending the use of geopolymer concrete.

Keywords: Geopolymerization, microstructural analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), geopolymer concrete, crystalline sodium aluminosilicate hydrate

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Ishant Dahat, Bhushan H. Shinde. Design of a Geopolymer Based on Fly Ash and Metakaolin with a Solid, Liquid, and Powdered Alkaline Activator at High Temperatures. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):712-726.
How to cite this URL:
Ishant Dahat, Bhushan H. Shinde. Design of a Geopolymer Based on Fly Ash and Metakaolin with a Solid, Liquid, and Powdered Alkaline Activator at High Temperatures. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):712-726. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236061


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 29/10/2025
Accepted 14/11/2025
Published 15/01/2026
Publication Time 78 Days
162

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