A new parameter influencing the reaction kinetics and properties of fly ash based geopolymers: A pre-rest period before heat curing

In this study, the influence of a pre-rest period before heat curing (as a new parameter), on the physical properties, flexural and compressive strength, and microstructure of geopolymer mortars and pastes produced with alkali activation of fly ash were investigated. In this context, geopolymer mortar and paste samples were prepared and pre-rested under laboratory conditions for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days before heat curing. After the pre-rest period, the samples were subjected to heat curing at 75 °C in an oven, for 2 days. Mortar and paste samples exposed to a pre-rest period while in the fresh state before heat curing were compared with control samples without pre-resting. Water absorption, porosity, specific gravity, capillarity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance tests were conducted on the geopolymer mortar samples. A reaction kinetics study using an isothermal calorimeter, XRD, and SEM analyses were performed on the geopolymer paste samples for microstructural investigations. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the mechanical strength of the samples subjected to the pre-rest period before heat curing increased considerably compared to the reference (without pre-resting) samples. In addition, because of pre-resting, the capillarity coefficient, water permeability, and porosity of the samples decreased compared to the reference samples, and it was concluded that pre-resting improves durability-related properties. Moreover, the reaction kinetics and SEM analysis results, supporting the above findings, showed that a pre-resting period increases the geopolymeric reaction products and causes a denser microstructure. •Influence of applying pre-rest period before heat curing on the properties of fly ash based geopolymer was evaluated.•Pre-rest period enhanced and improved mechanical and durability related properties of fly ash based geopolymer.•The pre-rest period, allowing more time for ion transfer resulted with a more compact and denser microstructure.•Isothermal studies proved the pre-rest periods contributes to the geopolymeric reaction.