Abstract

• The volcanic mud sample was collected from Yauk Chaung Village, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State and quarry dust from Loikaw Township, Kayah State. The physicochemical properties (moisture content, loss-on-ignition, specific gravity, fineness and pH) of volcanic mud and quarry dust samples were determined. The optimum conditions of sodium hydroxide concentration and the ratio of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate which were used in the preparation of geopolymer have been determined. The physical properties such as normal consistency and setting time and the mechanical properties such as compressive and tensile strength of the prepared volcanic mud-quarry dust based geopolymer (GP), blended cement (BC, GP + Cement) and Commercial cement (CC, Alpha cement brand) (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) at different time intervals (7, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 days) have been determined. The compressive and tensile strength were found to maximum at 56 days for all type of cements. The prepared volcanic mud-quarry dust based geopolymer (GP), blended cement (BC, GP+Cement) and commercial cement (CC, Alpha cement brand) were characterized by ED XRF, XRD, SEM and FTIR. To determine the acid resistance, the prepared volcanic mud-quarry dust based geopolymer (GP), blended cement (BC,GP + Cement)with various ratios and commercial cement (CC, Alpha cement brand) are immersed in various dilute acid (10 % HCl,10 % H2SO4 and 10 % CH3COOH). After three months immersion in acid, the mechanical and tensile strength were determined. In acid condition, all cements have resistance to 10 % HCl and 10% H2SO4 but no resistance to 10 % CH3COOH.