Effect of Porosity and Water Absorption on Compressive Strength of Fly Ash based Geopolymer and OPC Paste

The fly ash based geopolymer is a promising binder by activation of fly ash with an alkaline activating solution. The fly ash based geopolymer prepared was characterized by several methods. The experimental result, studies effect of the porosity and water absorption on compressive strength of fly ash based geopolymer and Ordinary Portland Cement paste for comparison. The porosity studies were determined using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method included nitrogen adsorption / desorption plots. Then followed by water absorption and compressive strength tested at 7 and 28 days curing time. The result shows that the porosity of fly ash based geopolymer paste was in the lower surface area, pore volume and pore size compared to Ordinary Portland Cement paste. The small pore size of the fly ash based geopolymer had a significant proportion of a micropores whilst Ordinary Portland Cement paste pores were mostly mesopores. The highest compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer can be achieved up to 76.723 MPa at 28 days when less of pore size and water absorption. Therefore, the paste based on geopolymeric materials is a better durability and high resistance to aggressive environment compared Ordinary Portland Cement paste.