Acid Resistance of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers and Geopolymeric Mortars Reinforced with Coconut Fibers

Abstract

This paper investigates the durability of geopolymers and geopolymeric mortars made with metakaolin and alkaline activators, with and without a coconut fiber addition, after immersion for seven days into solutions of citric acid (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%); hydrochloric acid (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%); and sulfuric acid (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%). The study focuses on mass changes, uniaxial compressive strength, flexural strength, and ultrasound pulse velocity measurements. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to analyze the degradation products and microstructural changes. The aim is to assess the effect of acid exposure on the strength and stability of geopolymer materials and identify any protective effects of coconut fiber reinforcement. The samples are immersed in acid solutions of varying concentrations, and their mechanical properties are measured. The presence of coconut fibers slightly modifies the physical properties and the compressive strength, improving the mechanical flexural strength. Geopolymer and geopolymeric mortar materials experienced a weak decrease in strength when exposed to solutions of citric acid and a significant one when exposed to solutions of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, attributed to depolymerization of the aluminosilicate binders. Brick waste geopolymeric mortars reinforced with coconut fibers showed the best performance in acid solutions with respect to geopolymers and quartz-rich sand geopolymeric mortars, suggesting a more stable cross-linked aluminosilicate geopolymer structure in this material.