Improving interfacial bonding between ordinary Portland cement and geopolymer concrete using acid/alkaline-catalyzed nano-SiO₂ sols: Insights into performance and mechanisms
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-5-2025
Department
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
Abstract
Concrete infrastructure deterioration necessitates eco-friendly and durable repair materials. As an innovative material, geopolymer concrete (GPC) offers a strong alternative to conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to its low carbon footprint, yet its interfacial bonding with OPC remains a substantial obstacle. This work assesses the implications of acid- and alkaline-catalyzed nano-silica (NS) sols, synthesized via sol-gel methods, on the performance of GPC and its interfacial bonding with OPC. Results indicate that alkaline-catalyzed NS (AlC-NS) shows superior dispersion and significantly enhances compressive strength and interfacial bonding strength while reducing drying shrinkage. The optimal dosage of 5 wt% AlC-NS increases the interfacial bonding strength by 45.91 % (6.07 MPa). Microstructural analysis reveals that the improved interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is attributed to the formation of dense C-(A)-S-H/N-A-S-H gels and enhanced mechanical interlocking. These findings offer a promising pathway for developing green and durable repair materials in concrete infrastructure.
Publication Title
Construction and Building Materials
Recommended Citation
Chen, Y.,
Liu, Z.,
Zhou, D.,
Yuan, B.,
Liu, S.,
Luo, Z.,
Li, X.,
Jin, D.,
&
Xu, F.
(2025).
Improving interfacial bonding between ordinary Portland cement and geopolymer concrete using acid/alkaline-catalyzed nano-SiO₂ sols: Insights into performance and mechanisms.
Construction and Building Materials,
490.
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.142537
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p2/1844