Work

The influence of different additives on the working performance of ternary geopolymer grouting materials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Amid growing concerns over the substantial carbon footprint of cement-based grouting materials and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, geopolymers have emerged as a promising alternative to Portland cement, offering a pathway toward low-carbon, sustainable development. This study explores the development of ternary geopolymer grouting materials using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (FA), and metakaolin (MK) as primary precursors, activated by sodium silicate. The effects of water-to-binder ratios and the individual and combined additions of three additives on the working performance and plastic viscosity were thoroughly investigated. Results indicate that the working performance is suboptimal at water-to-binder (W/B) ratios below 0.2754, while the mechanical properties fail to meet required standards at ratios exceeding 0.4029. Concurrently, increasing the water-to-binder ratio leads to a gradual reduction in plastic viscosity. The additives enhance the working performance in the order: nickel ammonium sulfate (NAS) > nickel sulfamate (NS) > calcium lignosulfonate (CL). The optimal additive combination, identified through response surface methodology, consists of 0.224% CL, 0.763% NS, and 0.803% NAS. At this combination, the initial and 30-minute truncated cone fluidity increased by 10.8% and 12.8%, while the initial and 30-minute flow cone fluidity decreased by 51.0% and 56.6%. Additionally, setting times were extended by 52.9% and 61%. This study offers valuable insights into the multi-factor interaction effects on geopolymer grouting materials and the optimization of sustainable, high-performance materials.

Source: Construction and Building Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.142142