Role of Heat-Treated Laterite on the Strengthening of Geopolymer Designed with Laterite as Solid Precursor

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a low-cost, green construction material for low-income house builders. A series of geopolymer samples were prepared by partially substituting the Cameroonian lateritic soil (LS) with different quantities of heat-treated laterite (20~50 wt. %). The chemical composition of the LS was determined through inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). The specimens were subjected to thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TGA/DTA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the compressive strength of dry and wet specimens was measured with a hydroelectric device. The results show that the geo-polymerization and properties like setting time and mechanical strength of the samples were improved through the combined action of the raw LS and the laterite treated at 500-600°C; the crystallized particles from non-clayed minerals and from aggregates of kaolinite also contribute to strength of the samples; crystalline phases formed a tridimensional skeleton in the microstructure of the geopolymer. The research provides a promising composite that can serve as a low-cost construction material with reduced environmental impact.

Physicochemical Characterisation for Potential Uses as Industrial Mineral of Bauxite from Débélé, Guinea

“…The significant increase of amorphous phase content with heating is related to a reactivity improvement since phases react easily with others in mixtures due to higher free energy in comparison to that of the crystallised phases. The amorphous content is therefore a leading factor for the use of a material as a mineral additive in the cementitious matrix or for the formulation of alternative cements such as geopolymers [29] [30]. As for the pozzolanic degree, the bauxite powder sample exhibit a value of 748 mg of CH fixed per gram of sample, which is close to the lower limiting value of 700 mg reported in the ASTM C618-94 standard for pozzolanic material.…”

Effect of physicochemical characteristics on the use of clays from Kindia (Guinea) in ceramic compositions

“…In general, clays are used as mined, or after a preliminary processing to control the mineralogical composition and the grain size repartition. 1,2,3 Clays are involved in a large range of economic uses depending on their physico-chemical properties. They are mainly composed of clay minerals that belong to the phyllosilicate group of minerals.…”

“…As well as limestone, sand, gravel, laterites, they are naturally occurring resources with a significant importance in manufacturing various industrial products, such as paint, common and technical ceramics, cements, alternative binders, household appliances, and different types of building materials. In general, clays are used as mined, or after a preliminary processing to control the mineralogical composition and the grain size repartition 1,2,3 . Clays are involved in a large range of economic uses depending on their physico‐chemical properties.…”

X-ray diffraction analysis of kaolin M1 and M2 via the Williamson–Hall and Warren–Averbach methods

“…The microstructural results can differ significantly from one hypothesis to another. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]…”