Geopolymer-Based Nepheline Ceramics: Effect of Sintering Profile on Morphological Characteristics and Flexural Strength

The focus of this study is the fabrication innovative and sustainable ceramic-based geopolymer with improved low temperatures performances. Kaolin was mixed liquid sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) 12M hydroxide (NaOH) solution using alkali activator ratio 0.24 solid-to-liquid 1:1 to synthesize kaolin geopolymer. effect sintering profile on microstructure, pore evolution flexural strength were investigated. heating exposure aided consolidation created a fairly uniform resulting in smooth surface texture. In comparison unheated geopolymer, 3D distribution showed significant increase range size ~30 µm appearance isolated intergranular pores. at 1200 °C rate 5 °C/min increased by 146.4% 85.4 MPa, as compared 2 °C/min. process has an impact final microstructure formation thus improving characteristic geopolymer-based nepheline ceramic.