Currently, geopolymer
is being considered as a future oil-well
cement. For wellbore applications, geopolymers are initially tested
at specific temperature conditions. However, an oil-wellbore may experience
a sudden increase in temperature which may adversely affect geopolymer
systems designed for low to moderate temperature conditions. In this
work, the effect of elevated temperatures on the microstructure of
the geopolymer was simulated. Metakaolin-based geopolymer systems
cured at 163 °F for 48 h were subjected to a temperature ramp
of 194 °F and 248 °F for 24 h. X-ray diffraction, Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry analysis techniques
were used to study the microstructural changes. The analytical techniques
show the formation of new crystalline phases when the geopolymer cured
at 163 °F was suddenly exposed to higher temperatures. These
crystalline phases, for instance, gobbinsite and anorthite, observed
in the microstructure have the potential to cause thermal stress,
weaken the system, and ultimately affect the geopolymer’s ability
to effectively isolate the formation and support the casing.