Mechanochemical Properties and Microstructural Performance of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Grout Reinforced with Nano-Titania Particles

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 11, No. 3, March 2020 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2020/IJC/000137

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Mechanochemical Properties and Microstructural Performance of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Grout Reinforced with Nano-Titania Particles

Names of Authors: T. S. Ani¹, M. F. de Oliveira²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Electronic and Chemical Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract: Developing high-performance geopolymer grouts from industrial wastes decreases production carbon footprints, though enhancing mechanical integrity requires structural optimization via reactive nanomaterial additives. This research tracks the structural development and mechanical profiles of geopolymer cements synthesized from fly ash integrated with nano-titania (nano-TiO₂) particles at dosages from 0% to 3.0% by weight. Alkaline activation was executed utilizing structural mixtures of sodium silicate and 12 M sodium hydroxide solutions. Hardening kinetics and microstructural phases were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FT-IR spectra demonstrated the formation of a rigid aluminosilicate network, indicated by the prominent framework stretching bands shifting to 1012 cm⁻¹. Compressive strength experiments showed that grout cubes prepared with 2.0% nano-titania substitution reached a maximum compressive value of 58.4 MPa after 28 days of curing at room temperature, outperforming pure fly ash controls. SEM characterization revealed a highly dense matrix featuring intense structural crosslinking of aluminosilicate gel structures, which significantly reduces internal cracking.

Keywords: Geopolymer grout; Fly ash activation; Nano-titania; Compressive strength; Microstructure; Aluminosilicate networks

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 14, 2019; Revised: August 18, 2019; Accepted: September 12, 2019; Published: March 05, 2020.

Citation: Ani, T. S., & de Oliveira, M. F. (2020). Mechanochemical Properties and Microstructural Performance of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Grout Reinforced with Nano-Titania Particles. International Journal of Chemistry, 11(3), 17–24.

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