Thermal stability and microstructure of metakaolin-based geopolymer blended with rice husk ash

Abstract Thermal stability of metakaolin -based geopolymer blended with rice husk ash with replacement levels of 5–20% by weight of MK was investigated. The phase composition, thermal stability and microstructure of geopolymer before and after high-temperature exposure were explored by using X-ray diffraction(XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), BET specific surface area test (BET) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimum chemical activity of rice husk ash can be obtained when calcined at 600 °C for 4 h. The addition of rice husk ash increases the compressive strength of geopolymer by accelerating the alkali-activated reaction process. The compressive strength at 28 days of curing increases by 24% with 15 wt% rice husk ash. The porous rice husk ash accelerates the discharge of water vapor from geopolymer and protects geopolymer from cracking caused by air pressure. The high chemical activity of rice husk ash accelerates the high-temperature geopolymerization process and contributes to the healing of microcracks. Rice husk ash reduces the melting sintering temperature of geopolymer from 870 °C to 780 °C, improves the formation of compact ceramic protective layer and prevents the high temperature spalling of geopolymer.