Geopolymer Materials Based on Natural Pozzolans from the Moroccan Middle Atlas

The pozzolans of the Moroccan Middle Atlas are derived from a low explosive volcanism, mostly strombolian. They mainly composed olivine and pyroxene, presenting less homogeneous structure (irregular vesicles). main target this project is to study use natural (NP) metakaolin as precursors for production geopolymeric binders. characterization raw materials elaborated geopolymers was carried out their mineralogical, chemical, microstructural, mechanical properties. studied kaolin were crushed, grinded, sifted get fine grain size diameter than 100 µm. Then, they calcined at 750 °C 2 h achieve an amorphous structure, increasing reactivity. Geopolymer consists mixing with different amounts alkaline solution sodium hydroxide silicates. mass proportion (MK) used in 10%, 20%, 30%. In present work, amount added source alumina. characterized using XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM analyses. compressive strength measured 7, 14, 28 days. results showed interesting proprieties about 18 MPa days mixture containing 20% MK. addition MK significant increase properties geopolymer. Meanwhile, other confirmed training new phases N-A-S-H gel. All these indicate that could be great sustainable management mineral resource.