Abstract
The effects of curing type, binary blends of chemical activators and addition of binder admixtures on the hardening properties of slag-based geopolymer concretes were investigated. Setting and hardening properties of different geopolymer mixtures were determined to assess the efficiency of polymerisation. Experimental investigations showed improved mechanical properties of geopolymer concretes with the adoption of steam curing and lower binder-to-aggregate ratio. Further, the addition of admixtures such as sodium sulfate and calcium nitrate to the slag binder exhibited higher compressive strengths. Furthermore, similar improved mechanical properties such as flexural and elastic modulus was observed with the addition of admixtures in slag activation. The reaction potential of alkali activator and admixtures dosage during slag activation was found to be dependent on high-temperature curing effects.