Composite Material Based on Gold Mine Tailings and Metakaolin Produced through Geopolymerization

Abstract:

This research studies the manufacture of a composite material based on gold mine tailings and metakaolin as a novel construction material through a geopolymer process. Geopolymers, derived from aluminosilicate-rich mining waste, offer a promising alternative to traditional construction materials by mitigating environmental pollution and reducing production costs. Different combinations and solution contents were used, with sodium hydroxide as the alkaline activator at different molarities and temperatures of 70°C and 110°C. To determine the optimal mixture, an indirect tensile test was performed to determine the optimization factor (Fopt), which resulted in a mixture of 60% tailings and 40% metakaolin in a 24% solution at a concentration of 6 molar and 110°C. Using the optimal mixture, brick tiles were manufactured, which were tested under simple compression, achieving a resistance of 6MPa; the specimens were also tested using the flexural strength test, obtaining a result of 11MPa, thus complying with the Ecuadorian standard for their use as a construction material.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1060)
• Pages: 153-158
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-E6o0Y6
• Online since: July 2026
• Authors: Liliana Zúñiga Torres, Francisco Hernández-Olivares, Alonso Zúñiga-Suárez, Berenice Zúñiga-Torres*, Jorge Patiño
• Keywords: Geopolymers, Gold Mine Tailings, Indirect Traction, Metakaoline

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