Investigating the microstructure and mechanical properties of metakaolin-based polypropylene fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete using different monomer ratios

Abstract

Researchers have focused on the fabrication and implementation of concrete that has optimal characteristics, logical price with minimum harmful impacts on the environment. For this purpose, the current project was conducted. Geopolymer cement, due to its high durability, insignificant energy consumption, least CO2 emissions, acceptable investment cost, and specific characteristics, is accounted as a new class of mineral binders which is different from such binders as Portland cement. In this research, the geopolymer concrete was made using metakaolin precursor containing 0.3, 0.5, and 1% polypropylene fibers together with monomer with 2, 2.5, and 3 ratios. Next, a number of engineering properties such as the bending strength, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, water absorption, and microstructure were assessed at 90 days age using the electron microscopy scanning method.