Development of High Thermal Stability Geopolymer Composites Enhanced by Nano Metakaolin

Abstract: This paper deals with study of thermal stability of geopolymer composites enhanced by nano metakaolin materials (NMK) and exposed to high firing temperature up to 1000 °C. The main geopolymer made up of water cooled slag having various kaolin ratios.  The activators used are Na₂SiO₃ and NaOH in the ratio of 3:3. The thermo-physical, micro-structural and mechanical properties of the geopolymers before and after the exposure to elevated temperatures of 300, 500, 600 800 and 1000 °C have been investigated. The fire shrinkage of the geopolymer specimens increased by increasing temperature up to 1000 ^oC. Also, the fire shrinkage increased slowly up to 500 °C. The mechanical strength of geopolymer specimens increased with temperature up to 500 ^oC. The good thermo-physical and mechanical properties for these geopolymer composites increase the possibility of vast application of these eco-friendly materials in construction sectors.