Abstract
Geopolymer composites containing woven cotton fabric (0-8.3 wt%) were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique, and were exposed to elevated temperatures of 200 degrees C, 400 degrees C, 600 degrees C, 800 degrees C and 1000 degrees C. With an increase in temperature, the geopolymer composites exhibited a reduction in compressive strength, flexural strength and fracture toughness. When heated above 600 degrees C, the composites exhibited a significant reduction in mechanical properties. They also exhibited brittle behavior due to severe degradation of cotton fibres and the creation of additional porosity in the composites. Microstructural images verified the existence of voids and small channels in the composites due to fibre degradation.