Durability and microstructure analysis of ultra-fine slag blended flyash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete

¹ Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil- 626126, Tamil Nadu, India
² Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai – 600062, Tamil Nadu, India

^* Corresponding author: ilayarsi@gmail.com

Abstract

This study investigates the durability and microstructure of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) enhanced with ultra-fine slag (UFS). Throughout the investigation, key variables such as the molarity of 12, the ratio of alkaline activator to fly ash (AA/FA) is 0.45, and the sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio maintained at two were kept constant. To improve the durability properties of SCGC, 50% UFS was blended with the fly ash. A series of durability tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the modified SCGC. These tests included assessments of acid resistance, sulphate resistance, water absorption, sorptivity, and rapid chloride penetration. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was utilized to investigate the concrete’s interfacial properties and microstructural characteristics. The results of this study demonstrate that the inclusion of UFS significantly enhances the microstructural properties and overall durability of SCGC. The improved durability makes this material suitable for hazardous environments where resistance to aggressive conditions is crucial. The findings suggest that the modified SCGC can offer a robust and sustainable alternative for construction applications in challenging environments, providing enhanced performance and long-term durability.