Analysis of the Use of Eggshell and GGBS in Geopolymers

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 37 views

The Effect of High Temperature on the Compressive Strength of Eggshell and GGBS-Based Geopolymer Mortar

Introduction

Geopolymer is a revolutionary material that functions as a binder, made from natural ingredients that undergo the polymerization process to harden. In recent years, geopolymer has gained significant attention due to its potential to replace traditional cement in construction applications. One of the key challenges in developing geopolymer is its sensitivity to high temperatures, which can affect its compressive strength. In this study, we investigated the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of eggshell and GGBS-based geopolymer mortar.

Background

Geopolymer is a type of inorganic polymer that is made from the reaction of aluminosilicate materials with a high-alkaline solution. The use of eggshell flour and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in making mortar geopolymers not only provides alternative raw materials that are environmentally friendly, but also improve material quality. Eggshell flour is rich in calcium carbonate and can help improve the mechanical properties of geopolymers. Meanwhile, GGBS functions as a substitute for cement which improves the resistance to high temperatures and resistance to corrosion.

Materials and Methods

In this study, duck eggshell flour was used as a substitute for cement. Variations in the use of eggshell flour were examined in various percentages, namely 0%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 90% of the weight of geopolymer paste. The test specimens were cured for 3, 28, and 56 days, and then subjected to compressive strength testing. The Taguchi method was used to analyze the effect of various variables on the compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar.

Results

The test results show that the average compressive strength of the geopolymer mortars that has been heated at a temperature of 1000 ºC has increased from curing time of 3 days to 28 days. However, there was a collapse in the test specimen after curing for 56 days. In addition, the average compressive strength based on molarity also shows an increase trend between 8 M and 14 M molarity, but decreases at 16 M. Maximum molarization of the maximum compressive strength achieved is 20 MPa.

Analysis of the Use of Eggshell and GGBS in Geopolymers

The use of eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers not only provides alternative raw materials that are environmentally friendly, but also improve material quality. Eggshell flour is rich in calcium carbonate and can help improve the mechanical properties of geopolymers. Meanwhile, GGBS functions as a substitute for cement which improves the resistance to high temperatures and resistance to corrosion.

When the geopolymer mortar is heated at high temperatures, a chemical reaction occurs that strengthens the micro material structure. This explains why the compressive strength shows an increase at certain curing. In addition, high temperatures can also affect the distribution of particles and interactions between components in the mortar, which contribute to better mechanical properties.

The Importance of the Taguchi Method

The Taguchi method applied in this study allows researchers to identify the optimal combination of variables that affect the compressive strength. Through systematic analysis, this method helps reduce the number of experiments needed and increase research efficiency. The results obtained from this method can be a reference for further development in geopolymer applications, as well as increasing the competitiveness of this material in the construction market.

Conclusion

The use of eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers shows great potential to be applied in the construction industry, as well as answering the environmental challenges faced today. Further research is very necessary to explore various variations of materials and processing methods in order to optimize the mechanical properties of the geopolymer in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to explore the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar.
The use of eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers should be further developed and optimized.
The Taguchi method should be applied in further studies to identify the optimal combination of variables that affect the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar with different curing times.
Exploring the use of other natural materials as substitutes for cement in geopolymer applications.
Developing new processing methods to optimize the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar.

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of this study include:

The study was limited to a specific type of geopolymer mortar, and further research is needed to explore the effect of high temperature on other types of geopolymer mortar.
The study was limited to a specific range of curing times, and further research is needed to explore the effect of high temperature on geopolymer mortar with different curing times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study investigated the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of eggshell and GGBS-based geopolymer mortar. The results show that the average compressive strength of the geopolymer mortars that has been heated at a temperature of 1000 ºC has increased from curing time of 3 days to 28 days. However, there was a collapse in the test specimen after curing for 56 days. The use of eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers shows great potential to be applied in the construction industry, as well as answering the environmental challenges faced today. Further research is very necessary to explore various variations of materials and processing methods in order to optimize the mechanical properties of the geopolymer in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of High Temperature on the Compressive Strength of Eggshell and GGBS-Based Geopolymer Mortar

Q: What is geopolymer mortar?

A: Geopolymer mortar is a type of inorganic polymer that is made from the reaction of aluminosilicate materials with a high-alkaline solution. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement-based mortars.

Q: What is the purpose of using eggshell flour in geopolymer mortar?

A: Eggshell flour is used as a substitute for cement in geopolymer mortar. It is rich in calcium carbonate, which helps to improve the mechanical properties of the geopolymer mortar.

Q: What is the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar?

A: The compressive strength of geopolymer mortar increases with high temperature, but there is a limit to this increase. If the temperature is too high, the compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar can decrease.

Q: What is the Taguchi method, and how is it used in this study?

A: The Taguchi method is a statistical method used to analyze the effect of various variables on a specific outcome. In this study, the Taguchi method is used to identify the optimal combination of variables that affect the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar.

Q: What are the benefits of using eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers?

A: The use of eggshell flour and GGBS in making mortar geopolymers provides alternative raw materials that are environmentally friendly, and improves material quality. Eggshell flour is rich in calcium carbonate, which helps to improve the mechanical properties of geopolymers. Meanwhile, GGBS functions as a substitute for cement which improves the resistance to high temperatures and resistance to corrosion.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study was limited to a specific type of geopolymer mortar, and further research is needed to explore the effect of high temperature on other types of geopolymer mortar. The study was also limited to a specific range of curing times, and further research is needed to explore the effect of high temperature on geopolymer mortar with different curing times.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions include investigating the effect of high temperature on the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar with different curing times, exploring the use of other natural materials as substitutes for cement in geopolymer applications, and developing new processing methods to optimize the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The results of this study can be applied in the construction industry, where geopolymer mortar can be used as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement-based mortars. The study can also be applied in the development of new materials and products that require high compressive strength.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using geopolymer mortar in construction?

A: The use of geopolymer mortar in construction can provide several benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy consumption, and improved durability and sustainability of buildings.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using geopolymer mortar in construction?

A: The use of geopolymer mortar in construction can also present several challenges, including the need for specialized equipment and training, the potential for high costs, and the need for further research and development to optimize the properties of geopolymer mortar.

Q: What are the potential future developments in geopolymer mortar?

A: Future developments in geopolymer mortar may include the use of new materials and technologies, such as nanomaterials and 3D printing, to improve the properties and performance of geopolymer mortar. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the potential applications of geopolymer mortar in various industries, such as construction, energy, and transportation.