Effect of Magnetized Water on Self-Compacted Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Chemical activation of geopolymer concrete is critical for improving its performance. The purpose of this research is to improve the chemical activation of self-compacted fly ash-based geopolymer concrete exposed to chlorides using magnetized water. A multicompound activator containing sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium silicate (SS) was used to activate fly ash. Various SS/SH ratios (1.0–3.0), various molarities of SH (8–16 M), and MW of 1.2 tesla were considered. Slump flow, L-box, v-funnel, compressive strength, chloride profile, and X-ray diffraction approaches were performed. The results confirmed that the optimal concentration of SH increased from 14 M in nonmagnetized concrete to 16 M in magnetized concrete, indicating that MW has a positive impact on the chemical activation and consequently the geopolymerization reaction. Concrete workability decreased as the SH concentration and SS/SH ratio increased. Using an SS/SH ratio of 3.0 results in superior mechanical behavior and increased chloride penetration resistance.