The influence of alkali activator type, curing temperature and gibbsite on the geopolymerization of an interstratified illite-smectite rich clay from Friedland
Geopolymers are formed by alkaline activation of an interstratified illite-smectite clay. KOH-activation at 50 °C forms geopolymers with compressive strength of 38 to 45 N/mm2. Gibbsite addition enhances KOH-activation by increased aluminosilicate gel formation. NaOH-activation at 75 °C forms geopolymers with lower strength of ~ 30 N/mm2. NaOH-activation is characterized by phillipsite (zeolite) crystallization.