Effect of caltined puzzolan on geopolymer production

In this study, two tuff samples with and without clinoptilolite were used as starting material for the synthesis of geopolymer. The mechanical developments of the produced geopolymers were investigated by compressive strength analysis and their micromorphological structures were examined by XRD and SEM/EDX analysis. According to the results of the experimental data, the starting material containing clinoptilolite calcined at 900°C was successful in the production of geopolymer, whereas the tuff sample without clinoptilolite was not successful in the production of geopolymer despite the calcination process. In addition to the 50°C curing process, the starting material containing clinoptilolite also showed improvement in mechanical strength as a result of the curing process at room conditions. According to the XRD results of the synthesized clinoptilolite-based geopolymer, the glassy phase was determined. According to the SEM/EDX analysis results, it was determined that clinoptilolite-based geopolymers have a homogeneous and hard matrix structure compatible with their compressive strength development. The presence of the geopolymeric gel was supported by XRD and SEM/EDX analysis.