Metakaolin-based inorganic polymer synthesis using cotton shell ash as sole alkaline activator

Calorimetry; Compressive strength; Cotton shell ash; FTIR; Inorganic polymer; Metakaolin; SEM; XRD; Cotton; Environmental impact; Potassium compounds; Scanning electron microscopy; Shells (structures); Silicate minerals; Sodium compounds; X ray diffraction; Zeolites; Alkaline activators; Intense bands; Maximum compressive strengths; Metakaolins; Pore densities; Potassium silicates; SEM micrographs; Inorganic polymers

Abstract :

[en] Inorganic polymers were synthesised using metakaolin and cotton shell ash as activator. In this way, the negative environmental impact of sodium or potassium silicate solutions as alkaline activators can be eliminated. Phase transformations investigated using FTIR suggested the formation of inorganic polymers through the shift of the most intense band from 1031 cm−1 in metakaolin to around 973 cm−1 in the final product and the absence of the band at 789 cm−1 in the latter. XRD results revealed the presence of kalsilite and zeolite K-F, which appear as hexagonal and elongated crystals in SEM. A maximum compressive strength of 36.7 MPa was obtained. Compressive strength values increased with increasing K/Al ratios and with the reduction of pore densities due to the formation of the amorphous inorganic polymer matrix as observed on the SEM micrographs. Cotton shell ash can thus be used as an alternative activator. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Research center :

Geology - GEOLOGY

Disciplines :

Earth sciences & physical geography

Author, co-author :

Balo, A. M.; Laboratory of Applied Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon, Local Materials Promotion Authority (MIPROMALO), P.O. BOX 2396, Yaounde, Cameroon

Rahier, H.; Department of Materials and Chemistry (Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, 1050, Belgium

Mobili, A.; Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning (SIMAU), Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche 12, Ancona, 60131, Italy

Katsiki, A.; Department of Materials and Chemistry (Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, 1050, Belgium

Fagel, Nathalie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géologie > Argiles, géochimie et environnements sédimentaires

Chinje, U. M.; Laboratory of Applied Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon

Njopwouo, D.; Laboratory of Applied Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaounde I, Faculty of Science, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon

Language :

English

Title :

Metakaolin-based inorganic polymer synthesis using cotton shell ash as sole alkaline activator

Publication date :

2018

Journal title :

Construction and Building Materials

ISSN :

0950-0618

eISSN :

1879-0526

Publisher :

Elsevier Ltd

Volume :

191

Pages :

1011-1022

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Name of the research project :

Caracterisation et valorisation des argiles de Foumban (Ouest Cameroun)

Funders :

Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur (Belgique). Coopération au Développement - ARES. CCD

Available on ORBi :

since 01 July 2019

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