The Effect of Different Modifying Methods on Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Cellular Geopolymers as Thermal Insulation Materials for Building Structures

Geopolymers represent a new class of inorganic materials that have great potential for practical application due to the properties used raw materials, as well peculiarities cementitious matrix structure formed during geopolymerization process. Cellular geopolymer specimens were produced in this study using F fly ash product, which is characterized by low reactivity geopolymerization. Several standard methods, microstructural studies applied evaluate effect following factors on physical-mechanical and thermophysical characteristics cellular geopolymers: use various mineral modifying components synthesis systems; high-temperature treatment; introduction method alkaline activator. It was observed “ageing” an aqueous alkali solution 24 h before mixing with foam agent able provide boost compressive strength up about 2.5 times, while decreasing average density 28% all experimental mixes, except PC-modified mixes. Additionally, treatment at 600 °C enables enhanced strengthening pore 1.5 times. This phenomenon especially pronounced mixes “aged” exception mixes; those, leads decrease 40%. The activator showed controversial thermal conductivity coefficient depending component geopolymers. proposed calculation total porosity geopolymers polycomponent material demonstrated high degree correlation R2 value least 0.96 between calculated porosity. However, not exceeding 0.29 measured nanoporosity, regardless treatment.