Influence of production on the strength, density and water absorption of aerated geopolymer paste and mortar using Class F fly ash

In this paper, the factors influencing the properties of aerated geopolymer concrete using low calcium fly ash through sodium-based alkali activation at a range of curing temperature is discussed. The parameters and their influence are statistically studied using design of experiments. The initial rate of reaction in the aeration process is controlled by using the alkaline solution (viz., sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na-Si)) which is cooled to a lower temperature. The conditioning of solution at lower temperature helped in achieving uniform mixing and to increase the placing time without hindering aeration. The factors influencing and their interaction effects on fresh density, dry density, compressive strength and water absorption were studied. Compressive strength of aerated geopolymer paste is 55% higher than mortar for the given range of parameters.