Abstract
This work investigates the influence of various alkaline activators (Na and K) on
the properties of a Lebanese metakaolin-based geopolymer mortar. The first part of this
work consisted to find and treat a local Lebanese source of kaolin. The metakaolin was later
produced by the calcination of the local kaolin at a temperature reaching 700˚C. Once
prepared the silica, alumina and alkali activator (either Na or K based) were mixed together
in order to obtain the required mortars. Results indicated that the sodium based geopolymer
mortars exhibit a greater compressive mechanical strength than the potassium based
mortars.
Cuvinte cheie
Geopolymers mortar
alkali mortar
Mechanical characteristics