The Influence of Alkali Activator Concentration to Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete with Trass as a Filler

Abstract

This paper describes one of the varying factors influencing the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. Fly ash and volcanic material called trass was used as raw materials, while sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) was applied as an alkali activator. Mechanical properties were assessed by compressive test, the concentration of NaOH used in this study was eight and ten Molars, and ratio of Na2SiO3to NaOH by mass was 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5. Test results indicated that the strength of geopolymer concrete and binder were hardly influenced by concentration of NaOH in solution and the activator ratio. Binder with activator ratio of 2.5 has the highest compressive strength both in 8M and 10M NaOH system. However, in concrete, there are a few difference, concretes made with 8M NaOH and activators ratio of 2 have the highest compressive strength. This result might due to the low workability of fresh geopolymer concrete. On the other hand, binder and concrete made with 10M NaOH, showed the highest compressive strength when they were made with the activator ratio of 2,5.