Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Fly Ash based Geopolymer Using Crumb Rubber as Fine Aggregates

Abideng Hawa; Preecha Salaemae; Sulkiflee Mama; Zulkiflee Dema; Woraphot Prachasaree

Authors

Abideng Hawa Infrastructure and Materials Innovation Research Unit, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
Preecha Salaemae Infrastructure and Materials Innovation Research Unit, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
Sulkiflee Mama Infrastructure and Materials Innovation Research Unit, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
Zulkiflee Dema Infrastructure and Materials Innovation Research Unit, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat, Thailand
Woraphot Prachasaree Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, Songkhla, Thailand

Keywords:

Microstructure, Geopolymer, Crumb Rubber, Blocks

Abstract

This study focused on investigating mechanical properties and microstructure of fly ash geopolymer mortar with 100% recycled tire crumb rubber as fine aggregates. Geopolymer binder was produced from fly-ash mixed with sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions. The effects of 1) alkaline solution to fly ash ratio 2) water to fly ash ratio and 3) crumb rubber to fly ash ratio on mechanical properties, including compressive strength, density, water absorption and microstructure via the use of scanning electron microscopy were investigated. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to analyze elemental compositions of the samples. The results showed that using crumb rubber led to a decrease in the compressive strength of the geopolymer samples. The density of geopolymer samples with 100% crumb rubber ranged between 1,134-1,345 kg/m³, which was lower than that of normal cement mortars. Thus, the geopolymer with 100% crumb rubber has potential to be used to prepare blocks for non-load applications.

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