Effect of alkaline activator quantity and temperature of curing on the properties of alkali-activated brick dust

The properties of alkaline activated brick dust mixed with different amounts of water glass with a silicate modulus (M) of 1.0 were studied in connection with the temperature of curing. The influence of the amount of alkaline solution and the temperature of curing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hardened materials was studied. The flexural and compressive strengths of the hardened products, as well as their microstructure, were determined. Part of the samples was stored under laboratory conditions (20 °C) for 7 and 28 days, other set of samples was stored at 60 °C for 7 and 28 days. One set of samples was treated for 7 days at 60 °C and 21 days at 20 °C. The microstructure of the hardened products was studied by means of porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. (paper)