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Optimizing Alkaline Activation of Natural Volcanic Pozzolan for Eco-Friendly Materials Production: An Investigation of NaOH Molarity and Na 2 SiO 3 -to-NaOH Ratio

Author

Listed:
  • Khadija Felaous

    (Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco)

  • Ayoub Aziz

    (Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco)

  • Mohammed Achab

    (Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, “Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry” Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, Rabat-Agdal 10106, Morocco)

  • María Fernández-Raga

    (Department of Chemistry and Applied Physics, Industrial Engineering School, University of Leon, Vegazana Campus S/N, 24071 Leon, Spain)

  • Abdellah Benzaouak

    (Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterials, Water and Environment, Environmental Materials Team, ENSAM, Mohammed V University in Rabat, B.P. 8007 N.U, Rabat 10100, Morocco)

Abstract

The production of Portland cement is energy-intensive and polluting. As a result, the search for ecological and economical alternatives has become a global priority. Geopolymers are among the most promising ecological alternatives to Portland cement. Their properties depend on the nature and concentration of the activators. This study investigates the effect of Na 2 SiO 3 /NaOH ratio and NaOH molarity on the alkaline activation of natural volcanic pozzolan. The physico-mechanical and microstructural properties of the investigated geopolymer were evaluated using compressive strength, density, porosity, water absorption, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the optimal parameters for activation are a NaOH molarity of 8 mol/L and Na 2 SiO 3 /NaOH ratio of 1.2. These parameters enhance the dissolution of the volcanic pozzolan and the formation of a N-A-S-H geopolymer gel, resulting in a dense, less porous matrix with good resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Khadija Felaous & Ayoub Aziz & Mohammed Achab & María Fernández-Raga & Abdellah Benzaouak, 2023. "Optimizing Alkaline Activation of Natural Volcanic Pozzolan for Eco-Friendly Materials Production: An Investigation of NaOH Molarity and Na 2 SiO 3 -to-NaOH Ratio," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4453-:d:1085528
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amine Abdelmounji & Remmal Toufik & El Kamel Fouad & El Amrani El Hassani Iz-Eddine & Van Wyk De Vries Benjamin & Boivin Pierre, 2019. "Geomorphological classification and landforms inventory of the Middle-Atlas volcanic Province (Morocco): Scientific value and educational potential," Quaestiones Geographicae, Sciendo, vol. 38(1), pages 107-129, March.
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