Mechanical properties and permeability of red mud-blast furnace slag-based geopolymer concrete

Abstract Red mud, a by-product of alumina production, has great impact on the environment due to its high alkalinity. In this paper, two-part geopolymer mortar was synthesized by combining red mud and blast furnace slag (BFS) obtain optimized compressive strength flexural for construction materials. Geopolymer concrete prepared with cementitious material in replaced mortar. Mechanical properties, permeability microscopic properties were measured. The results showed that grade can reach 54.43 MPa indicating be used as materials load-bearing members structures. Due lower total porosity better pore structure, resistance significantly than ordinary concrete. Microscopic analysis indicated large amount aluminosilicate reaction products generated OH − components BFS strongly alkaline environment. surface [SiO4] 4− [AlO4] tetrahedrons form chemical bonds through dehydroxylation, which is direct reason their determines excellent physical properties.