Geopolymers based on a coarse low-purity kaolin mineral: Mechanical strength as a function of the chemical composition and temperature

A coarse mineral with 70% kaolinite and 30% quartz was calcined and chemically activated by alkaline solutions of Na2SiO3 and NaOH. The compressive strength evolution was investigated as a function of the curing temperature at 20 and 80 °C, and the molar ratios of SiO2/Al2O3 (2.64–4.04) and Na2O/Al2O3 (0.62–1.54). For curing at 20 °C, the best composition was SiO2/Al2O3 = 2.96 and NaO/Al2O3 = 0.62, reaching 85 MPa at 28 days. Curing at 80 °C had a positive effect on the strength development only in the first 3 days. X-ray diffraction of the geopolymeric formulations showed the formation of amorphous silicoaluminates of similar nature. The microstructure consisted of unreacted quartz and metakaolinite particles in a matrix of silicoaluminate polymer and condensed silica gel from the unreacted sodium silicate.

► This work examines the performance of a coarse low-purity metakaolin in geopolymers.
► The reactions and strength depend strongly on the curing temperature.
► The chemical composition affects the setting time and strength development.
► The geopolymers obtained are of lower cost and excellent properties.