Performance of a Nigerian Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer as a Sustainable Building Material

Abstract

Existing data show that Portland cement material production contributes ~8% to the global CO2 emissions. This is detrimental to the environment and can lead to global warming. It is therefore pertinent to develop alternative cost-effective and environmentally friendly cement material. The geopolymerization technology presents a solution. This project is aimed at using a Nigerian metakaolin-based geopolymer as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement. Kaolin clay sourced from Kankara, Katsina State Nigeria was calcined at 700­oC for 2 hours and used in synthesizing the MK geopolymers. Different sample formulations were prepared, cast in a 50x50x50mm mold, and then tested for compressive strengths after curing at 40 and 60oC for 7 and 28 days. The effects of sodium hydroxide concentration and the curing temperature on the compressive strength were examined at alkaline solution ratios of 0.24 and 1.50. The highest recorded compressive strength value in this study was 17.10MPa.

This study has revealed that geopolymers can serve as a potential sustainable construction material for the Nigerian construction industry.