The availability of Diatomite and Bingol andesite in geopolymer composite production

In this study has addressed the effects of waste andesite sand (AS) as a partial or complete substitute of silica sand (SS) and diatomite powder (DP) as a partial substitute of ground blast furnace slag (GBFS) on the properties alkali‑ activated lightweight mortars (AAM). Sixteen mortar specimens were generated for this aim. Thermal conductivity, dry unit weight, compressive and flexural strength were evaluated. Dry shrinkage, high temperature and freeze thaw durability were investigated. The results indicated that the compressive strength of about 60 MPa was obtained for the mixture containing 100%AS but without DP content. Replacing GBFS with DP reduced the compressive strength of AAM mixtures notably. The AAM mixtures containing 20% and 30% DP showed the lowest thermal conductivity results. The mixture D20A50 exhibited the best high temperature resistance and the optimum mixture for the freezing and thawing exposure was observed for the mixtures containing 10% DP KEYWORDS:Alkali activated mortars, Blast furnace slag, Diatomite, Waste andesite sand, Mechanical properties