Evaluating The Impact Of Sodium Silicate (Na2Sio3) On Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

The construction industry offers numerous material options. With the rising demand for sustainable building practices, engineers and architects are increasingly opting for eco-friendly materials. Geopolymer concrete, made from industrial waste, is a sustainable solution that reduces natural resource consumption, energy usage, and environmental impact. This research investigates the impact of sodium silicate (Na 2SiO3) on geopolymer concrete with varying masses of Na 2SiO3 (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grams) with rice husk ash (RHA). The compressive strength, density, water absorption, and hardness were determined to assess the material's suitability for various construction applications. The results showed that the RHA-geopolymer concrete exhibited enhanced mechanical properties at 600 grams of Na 2SiO3, with the highest compressive strength, density, and hardness values of 47.3 N/mm², 3450 kg/m³, and 68.65 HV, respectively. In contrast, at 1000 grams of Na 2SiO3, these parameters exhibited poor mechanical properties, with values of 20.5 N/mm², 1890 kg/m³, and 57.43 HV, respectively. The lowest water absorption was obtained at 600 grams of Na 2SiO3, with a value of 8.7%, while 18.7% was recorded at 1000 grams of Na 2SiO3. The findings of this research have significant implications for the development and application of RHA-geopolymer concrete in construction, enabling the creation of sustainable, durable, and high-performance building materials.