Effect of Activator Solution Molarity on the Performance of Perlite-Substituted Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract:

Cement contributes CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere, which is harmful for human health. Several researchers have conducted experiments to find materials that have the potential to be used as cement substitutes. Fly ash and perlite are wastes that contain silica as well as high aluminum, so they have potential as cement replacement materials. In this study, geopolymer concrete mixtures were made using fly ash and perlite with a NaOH concentration of 10M – 16 M, a Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio of 2.5 and alkaline solution to fly ash ratio (AA/FA) of 0.5. The curing method used was using an oven at 80 °C for 16 hours. From the experimental results, the optimum compressive strength was 28.470 MPa with a 12M NaOH concentration. The optimum flexural strength was 2.387 MPa with a NaOH concentration of 12M.

• Periodical: Construction Technologies and Architecture (Volume 19)
• Pages: 41-46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-3LpLqb
• Online since: June 2025
• Authors: Fadya Bunga Rifalqhi*, Eklina Vinata Lumbantoruan, Muhammad Aqwam Thariq Arifin, Muhammad Sofyan, R.R. Mekar Ageng Kinasti
• Keywords: Alkaline Activator, Compressive Strength, Fly Ash, Geopolymer Concrete, Molarity, Perlite, Tensile Strength

References

[1] G. Asok, S. George, Investigation on Hybrid Concrete Using Steel and Polypropylene Fibre, Int. J. New. Tech. Res. 2 (2021) 61-64.

[2] A. Fernandez, Y. Leung, Technology Roadmap Low Carbon Transition in The Cement Industry (2018) 28-46.

[3] M. S. Imbabi, C. Carrigan, and S. McKenna, Trends and Developments in Green Cement and Concrete Technology, Int. J. Sust. Built. Env. 1 (2012) 194–216.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsbe.2013.05.001

[4] J. Davidovits, Chemistry of Geopolymer System, Terminology. Proceedings of Geopolymer System, Int. Conf. France (1999).

[5] R. Irmawaty, Fakhruddin, and J. J. Ekaputri, Experimental and analytical study for shear strengthening of reinforced-concrete beams using a prefabricated geopolymer–mortar panel, Case Stud. Constr. Mater, 17, (2022), e01568.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01568

[6] N.F.R. Arifin, N.E. Nahdiyah, C. Efrein, M.F. Hidayat, R.D. Wardhana, F.Fakhruddin, The Utilization of Geopolymer Mortar as Permanent Formwork in Reinforced Concrete Beam, (2023) 143–149

DOI: 10.4028/p-d8g0ka

[7] D. Hardjito, S.E. Wallah, D.M.J. Sumajouw, B.V. Rangan, Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete, Aust. J. Struct. Eng. (6) (2005) 1-7.

DOI: 10.1080/13287982.2005.11464946

[8] Information on https://ikft.kemenperin.go.id/bgnl-3/

[9] M. Sofyan, A.O. Irlan, A. Rokhman, D.D. Purnama, R.R.R. Utami, The Effect of Using Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Powder and Rice Husk Ash on Compressive Strength and Intital Setting Time of Alkaline-Activated Mortar, IOP Conf. Earth. & Env. Sci. (2021) 1-8.

DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/921/1/012070

[10] P. Lukowski, Polymer-Cement Composites Containing Waste Perlite Powder, J. Mater. (9) (2016) 1-9.

[11] O. Sengul, S. Azizi, F. Karaosmanoglu, M.A. Tasdemir, Effect of expanded perlite on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete, in: Energy. & Build, 43, ResearchGate, 2011, pp.671-676.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.11.008

[12] E.R. Vance, D.S. Perera, P. Imperia, D.J. Cassidy, J. Davis, J.T. Gourley, Perlite Waste as A Precursor For Geopolymer Formation, J. Aust. Cer. Soc. (45) (2009) 44-49.

[13] D. Hardjito, B.V Rangan, Development and Properties of Low-Calcium Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete, (2005) 13-24.