Preparation and Properties of Geopolymer Matrix Composites Containing Waste Olivine Sands from a Metallurgical Process

Abstract Several geopolymer-based materials were produced and characterized by mixing metakaolin, a commercial sodium silicate solution, hydroxide loose waste olivine sand deriving from metallurgical process devoted to the production of high manganese steel. Olivine was added either in as-received form or after thermal treatment at 900 °C. Hardened containing different amounts their behavior compared that blank geopolymeric matrix. Materials examined X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation, optical scanning electron microscope investigation; mechanical compressive strength discussed taking into account water absorption microstructure. It has been observed all compositions sands badly perform, whereas those prepared using thermally treated have higher than reference composition. In particular, samples with composition 100 g metakaolin 75 displayed best overall behavior. Graphical