Geopolymeric Cements Obtained by Alkaline Activation of Aluminosilicates from Industrial Waste

The development of geopolymer in this work prioritized the use of industrial wastes including bottom ash from the coal burning and metakaolin from purification and thermal treatment of waste paper. The main objective was the synthesis to obtaining geopolymer cement to verify the characteristics of the material. The alkaline activator used was a mixture of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in molar ratio of 12 and 15 M and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzes were performed for characterization. The XRD patterns show changes in the microstructure of the feedstock. Through the micrographs it can be seen that the samples show various aspects of geopolimerization. Geopolymeric materials can be presented as a viable alternative to meet the great demand in the cement area and contribute to the utilization of industrial wastes.