Effect of Aluminosilicates’ Particle Size Distribution on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Metakaolinite-Based Geopolymers

The present study focused on investigating the differences in properties between calcined and milled aluminosilicates with different particle size distributions. Two types of clay, i.e., kaolin kaolinitic claystone, were subjected to calcination at 750 °C, subsequent milling obtain fractions distinct These then combined a potassium alkaline activator quartz sand 50:50 weight ratio form geopolymer composite. binders characterized using mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rotary rheometer. Mechanical tests conducted composites prepared from varying findings indicated that finer distribution exhibited higher levels dissolved aluminum (10,000 mg/kg) compared samples coarser distributions (1000 mg/kg). Additionally, as decreased, dynamic viscosity increased, while average pore decreased. Finally, mechanical derived both tested demonstrated decline performance mean increased beyond 10 µm.