Miroslav Komljenović

Mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated fly ash geopolymers

This paper investigates the properties of geopolymer obtained by alkali-activation of fly ash (FA), i.e. the influence of characteristics of the representative group of FA (class F) from Serbia, as well as that of the nature and concentration of various activators on mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymers. Aqueous solutions of Ca(OH)(2), NaOH, NaOH+Na(2)CO(3), KOH and sodium silicate (water glass) of various concentrations were used as alkali activators. It was established that the nature and concentration of the activator was the most dominant parameter in the alkali-activation process. In respect of physical characteristics of FA, the key parameter was fineness. The geopolymer based on FA with the highest content of fine particles (<43 microm), showed the highest compressive strength in all cases. Regardless of FA characteristics, nature and concentration of the activator, the alkali-activation products were mainly amorphous. The formation of crystalline phases (zeolites) occurred in some cases, depending on the reaction conditions. The highest compressive strength was obtained using sodium silicate. Together with the increase of sodium silicate SiO(2)/Na(2)O mass ratio, the atomic Si/Al ratio in the reaction products was also increased. Under the experimental conditions of this investigation, high strength was directly related to the high Si/Al ratio.

Decalcification resistance of alkali-activated slag.

This paper analyses the effects of decalcification in concentrated 6M NH(4)NO(3) solution on mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS). Portland-slag cement (CEM II/A-S 42.5 N) was used as a benchmark material. Decalcification process led to a decrease in strength, both in AAS and in CEM II, and this effect was more pronounced in CEM II. The decrease in strength was explicitly related to the decrease in Ca/Si atomic ratio of C-S-H gel. A very low ratio of Ca/Si ~0.3 in AAS was the consequence of coexistence of C-S-H(I) gel and silica gel. During decalcification of AAS almost complete leaching of sodium and tetrahedral aluminum from C-S-H(I) gel also took place. AAS showed significantly higher resistance to decalcification in relation to the benchmark CEM II due to the absence of portlandite, high level of polymerization of silicate chains, low level of aluminum for silicon substitution in the structure of C-S-H(I), and the formation of protective layer of polymerized silica gel during decalcification process. In stabilization/solidification processes alkali-activated slag represents a more promising solution than Portland-slag cement due to significantly higher resistance to decalcification.

Mechanical strength and Young's modulus of alkali-activated cement-based binders

Generally alkali-activated binders (AAB), like cement-based systems, exhibit good compressive but relatively poor tensile and flexural properties. Strength development of AAB depends on various influencing factors, such as types and properties of prime materials - solid precursors, as well as synthesis and curing conditions. The effects of a great number of influencing factors on mechanical properties of AAB were analyzed as a significant relationship between mechanical strength and durability is expected. In respect to Portland cement of similar compressive strength, AAB commonly show higher flexural and splitting tensile strength, but lower modulus of elasticity. The addition of fibers improves AAB tensile properties and changes AAB brittle behavior to a more ductile one, and makes AAB more acceptable for various applications.

Investigation of fly ash properties with purpose of its utilization as a secondary raw material for Portland cement clinker production

In this paper the results of the investigated properties of fly ash from four thermal power plants in Serbia are presented. The physical, chemical, mineralogical and thermal characterization of fly ash was carried out, in order to determine the possibility to utilize this material in the building materials industry, foremost in the cement industry. It was determined that, although there are differences concerning the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of the investigated samples, they are very similar concerning their thermal characteristics. It was concluded that using fly ash as one of the raw components in the mixture for Portland cement clinker synthesis, not only enables the substitution of natural resources, but it might have a positive effect on the lowering of the sintering temperature.

Prognosis of The Mineralogical Composition of Sintered Portland Cement Clinker

The possibility of evaluating the composition of cement clinker obtained by sintering raw materials with a known composition is the basic prerequisite for synthesis of products with desired properties.

The Influence of Mechanical Activation of Fly Ash on the Toxic Metals Immobilization by Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers

This paper investigates the influence of mechanical activation of fly ash on the toxic metals immobilization by fly ash-based geopolymers. Fly ash was firstly mechanically and then alkali-activated. Mechanical activation of fly ash was conducted in a planetary ball mill. Alkali activation of fly ash was carried out at room temperature by use of sodium silicate solution as an activator. Toxic metals (Pb and Cr) were added in the form of water soluble salts during the synthesis of geopolymers. The immobilization process was assessed via investigation of the mechanical and leaching properties of geopolymers. Structural changes of geopolymers during the toxic metals immobilization were assessed by means of gas adsorption and SEM analyses. Mechanical activation of fly ash led to a significant increase in geopolymer strength and to a reduced leaching of toxic metals from geopolymers.

The influence of Pb addition on the properties of fly ash-based geopolymers

Preventing or reducing negative effects on the environment from the waste landfilling is the main goal defined by the European Landfill Directive. Generally geopolymers can be considered as sustainable binders for immobilization of hazardous wastes containing different toxic elements. In this paper the influence of addition of high amount of lead on structure, strength, and leaching behavior (the effectiveness of Pb immobilization) of fly ash-based geopolymers depending on the geopolymer curing conditions was investigated. Lead was added during the synthesis of geopolymers in the form of highly soluble salt - lead-nitrate. Structural changes of geopolymers as a result of lead addition/immobilization were assessed by means of XRD, SEM/EDS, and 29Si MAS NMR analysis. Investigated curing conditions significantly influenced structure, strength and leaching behavior of geopolymers. High addition of lead caused a sizeable decrease in compressive strength of geopolymers and promoted formation of aluminum-deficient aluminosilicate gel (depolymerization of aluminosilicate gel), regardless of the curing conditions investigated. According to the EUWAC limitations, 4% of lead was successfully immobilized by fly ash-based geopolymers cured for 28 days in a humid chamber at room temperature.