Abstract

• The focus of this research mainly concerned with mechanical properties and characterization of prepared geopolymer(GP),blended cement (BC) and commercial cement (CC). Geopolymer is a new family of synthetic aluminosilicate materials formed by alkali activation of solid aluminosilicate raw materials. Rice husk ash and kaolinite based geopolymer had been prepared from rice husk ash which was obtained from Taungoo Township, Bago Region and kaolinite sample was obtained from Kyaut Taga, Kyauk Padaung Township, Mandalay Region. In this research work, prepared geopolymer, blended cement (GP+commercial cement) and commercial cement samples were characterized by EDXRF, XRD, FT IR and SEM techniques. Physical properties such as normal consistency and setting time and mechanical properties such as compressive and tensile strength of prepared geopolymer and commercial cement were studied. The normal consistency values were found to be 30 % for prepared geopolymer at setting time between 125 and 448 min, 28% for blended cement at 90 and 350 min and 28% for commercial cement at 95 and 240 min. The maximum compressive strength values of prepared geopolymer (GP), blended cement and commercial cement (elephant brand) were 38.36 N/mm2, 60.99 N/mm2 and 69.08 N/mm2, respectively, at 56 days. The highest tensile strength values for prepared geopolymer, blended cement and commercial cement were 198 psi, 243 psi and 264 psi, respectively. To determine the acid resistance, prepared GP, blended cement and commercial cement (Elephant Brand) were immersed in various dilute acid ( 10 % HCl, 10 % H2SO4, 10 % CH3COOH). After three months immersion in acid period, the mechanical strength and tensile strength were determined. Compressive strength of prepared, blended cement and commercial cement after treating with 10 % HCl were found to be highest. Tensile strength values of prepared (GP), blended cement and commercial cement after treating with 10 % HCl were also found to be the highest. Prepared geopolymer was found to be more resistant to acid than that of the commercial cement.