A Comparative Study on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Geopolymer and High-Performance Concrete Using SEM and XRD

Abstract

This paper presents the detailed experimental studies on surface morphology and microstructures of geopolymer concrete compared with high performance concrete using SEM and XRD analysis which reviews in advancement in the field of geopolymer concrete with 16 molarity as a sustainable development in the construction industry. Thus, improving its properties geopolymer concrete is reinforced with glass fibers, GGBS, fly ash is incorporated with percentages of 60:40 along with alkaline fluid ratios of Na₂SiO₃/NaOH is 2.5 and fluid binder ratio 0.26. The modified fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete (MFRGC) enhances its compressive and flexural strength in comparison to high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC). Though significant research has not been done in the past decades, more challenges need to be addressed. For surface morphology Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) test are performed as per the standard procedures. The test specimens consist of Mix 1 - M-60 (M-60 Grade of concrete, control mix), Mix 2 - M-60+GF (Glass fiber combined with M-60 Grade of concrete), Mix 3 - GPC-16M (Geopolymer concrete with 16 Molarity) and Mix 4 - GPC-16M+GF (Geopolymer concrete with 16 Molarity combined with Glass fiber). The present experimental results have shown that there is improvement in strength properties of modified fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete under consideration. The result proves that compressive and flexural strength has improved for Mix 4 - GPC-16M+GF in comparison with other matrixes used.