Optimizing Alkaline Activation of Natural Volcanic Pozzolan for Eco-Friendly Materials Production: An Investigation of NaOH Molarity and Na 2 SiO 3 -to-NaOH Ratio

Khadija Felaous, Ayoub Aziz (), Mohammed Achab, María Fernández-Raga and Abdellah Benzaouak ()
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Khadija Felaous: Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco
Ayoub Aziz: Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco
Mohammed Achab: Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco
María Fernández-Raga: Department of Chemistry and Applied Physics, Industrial Engineering School, University of Leon, Vegazana Campus S/N, 24071 Leon, Spain
Abdellah Benzaouak: Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterials, Water and Environment, Environmental Materials Team, ENSAM, Mohammed V University in Rabat, B.P. 8007 N.U, Rabat 10100, Morocco

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: The production of Portland cement is energy-intensive and polluting. As a result, the search for ecological and economical alternatives has become a global priority. Geopolymers are among the most promising ecological alternatives to Portland cement. Their properties depend on the nature and concentration of the activators. This study investigates the effect of Na 2 SiO 3 /NaOH ratio and NaOH molarity on the alkaline activation of natural volcanic pozzolan. The physico-mechanical and microstructural properties of the investigated geopolymer were evaluated using compressive strength, density, porosity, water absorption, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the optimal parameters for activation are a NaOH molarity of 8 mol/L and Na 2 SiO 3 /NaOH ratio of 1.2. These parameters enhance the dissolution of the volcanic pozzolan and the formation of a N-A-S-H geopolymer gel, resulting in a dense, less porous matrix with good resistance.

Keywords: Portland cement; polluting; ecological alternatives; geopolymers; volcanic pozzolan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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