Physicals and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer from Rice Hush Ash and Fly Ash

Abstract

This research aims to synthesize geopolymer by extracting sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) from black rich husk and then using the rich husk ash and fly ash as the primary materials for geopolymer synthesis. The study investigates the effect of geopolymer samples varied the ratio of fly ash and baking temperatures at three different levels. Physical and mechanical properties, such as water absorption, density, and the tensile strength, were tested. Additionally, morphological analysis was conducted using XRD, and surface resolution was examined using SEM. The test results indicated that the density increased with higher fly ash content and higher curing temperatures, which also aligned with the water absorption test results. Furthermore, the tensile strength tended to increase as well. Morphological analysis showed amorphous structure but the crystal structure was formed which showed the characteristic features of a geopolymer material. SEM analysis of the geopolymer material's microstructure showed the presence of various pores, with reactive and non-reactive particles clustered together. It was observed that as the floating particle content decreased, the surface became smoother, and the porosity visibly reduced. This research demonstrates that Na2SiO3 solvent extracted from rich husk ash can be successfully used to synthesize geopolymer materials with good quality.