Kinetics of Geopolymer Solidification Study Using Texture Analyzer

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study on the solidification kinetics of geopolymer using the Avrami Kinetics Theory by varying types of alkali solution and alkali concentration at different temperatures. Tests were carried out using Leatherhead Food Research Association (LFRA) Texture Analyzer to analyze the solidification profile. The results indicated that potassium hydroxide at low concentration had better performance in achieving faster time for geopolymerization process. Higher temperatures of 35°C used in the solidifying process of the geopolymer reduced the setting time. Based on the kinetic study, the growth rate (K) increased with the concentration of alkali activator and temperature. The Avrami exponent (n) trend was increased as growth rate increased. From the values of Avrami exponent obtained it could be suggested that the geopolymer had one, two or three dimension growth forms depending on the parameters selected.