Metakaolin-based geopolymer composites using hybrid particulate additives and targeted high-temperature, high-pressure curing conditions

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Umberto C.C.S. Siciliano - , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (Author)
  • Jitong Zhao - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)
  • Ana C. Ana - , Universidade de São Paulo (Author)
  • Marco Liebscher - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)
  • Sonia Letichevsky - , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (Author)
  • Roberto R. de Avillez - , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (Author)
  • Viktor Mechtcherine - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)
  • Flávio de A. Silva - , Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (Author)

Abstract

This research investigates the effects of crystalline (chamotte), amorphous (nano-clay), and functionalized particulate additives on the performance of metakaolin-based geopolymer (MK-GP) composites under diverse curing protocols, including temperatures of 21 °C and 150 °C and pressures of 0.1 MPa and 40 MPa. Key performance metrics—flexural and compressive strength, porosity, and thermal stability—were evaluated alongside microstructural evolution analyzed via Environment Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). Results indicate that all additives improved geopolymer performance, with chamotte acting as a filler and dehydration regulator, nano-clay providing an additional aluminosilicate source, and carbon nanotubes modifying setting behavior. Each additive reduced pore size, enhancing the composite's properties. The hybrid combination of additives showed a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing compressive and flexural strength, with improvements of up to 350 % compared to plain geopolymers under similar curing conditions. Additionally, the mechanical performance was minimally affected under high pressure (40 MPa), emphasizing the potential of hybrid reinforcements for extreme environments. These findings highlight the critical role of optimizing particle size, composition, and chemical compatibility to develop high-performance geopolymer composites for challenging applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)28546-28560
Number of pages15
JournalCeramics international
Volume51
Issue number19
Early online date7 Apr 2025
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • Chamotte, Geopolymer, Hybrid reinforcements, Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Nanoclay