Abstract
Kaolin samples obtained from Cameroon were used to produce geopolymer binders. Prior to its application, the raw kaolin samples were activated through the gliding arc plasma treatment using both spatial post-discharge and direct mode. A mixture of sodium hydroxide and silicate was used as the alkaline solution. In order to study the influence of the modifications generated by the gliding arc plasma treatment on the geopolymerization process, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were carried out. In addition, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen physisorption and compression tests analysis were also carried out on the resulting geopolymer samples to access their mechanical performance. The results showed that the geopolymerization process was not completed at the curing temperature of 90 degrees C. Plasma spatial post-discharge mode treated kaolin led to 20.48% increase in compressive strength when compared with the geopolymer prepared from raw kaolin.