Semiquantitative method for the monitoring of the geopolymer transformation products

Had J.

Institute of Chemical Technology, Central laboratories, Prague

Synthetic geopolymers appear to be promising material applicable to a wide range of industrial branches, namely in building industry. Nevertheless products of geopolymer transformation can deteriorate properties of production. X-Ray phase analysis of geopolymers originating from thermal treated kaoline /metakaoline/ by alkaline treatment / NaOH and water glass/ has been carried out. Following products of the transformation have been identified: zeolite P, zeolite X, zeolite A, sodalite H and analcim T. A method for relative determination of the sum of the referred-to phases has been worked out for the synthetic geopolymers, with respect to required quick determination and adequate accuracy. Data obtained in such way were collated with mechanical properties of the geopolymers arising from metakaolines at various temperatures of calcination and different ageing period, both at laboratory and 100^oC temperature. Compression strength results correlated to the sums of the scaled intensities are presented proving applicability of the worked-out method.