Mechanical properties of slag based geopolymer exposed to chemical attacks

This study presents an investigation on the durability of geopolymer concrete produced with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and alkaline activators. Three groups of specimens were submerged in solutions for up 4 weeks and were categorized according to solution types in which they were submerged: 5% sulphuric acid, 5% magnesium sulphate and 3.5% salt water. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete was also used for quality control specimens for comparison purpose. Main parameters studied were the weight change, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and fracture toughness. The performance of geopolymer concrete under solution exposure was superior to that of normal concrete produced using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. Significant strength reduction, however, was observed in some of the geopolymer concrete samples with activators such as sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. GGBFS-based geopolymer concrete exhibited the best performance among all specimens due to its high resistance capacity against chemical attack.