Characterization and Comparison of Geopolymer Synthesized Using Metakaolin Bangka and Metastar as Precursors

Various aluminosilicate material have been used as precursor for geopolymer. Geopolymer gets its strength from the polycondensation of silicate and alumina. Metakaolin, calcinated kaolin, is pozzolan with the highest alumina and silicate purity. Indonesia, especially Bangka Island, has a large amount of kaolin deposit that being sold at low price. This price could be increased ten times when being sold as metakaolin. This study aimed to compare mechanical and metallurgical properties of commercial metakaolin and Bangka kaolin which calcinated at 700°C. Both metakaolins reacted with NaOH and waterglass as the activator followed by curing at room temperature for 7, 14 and 28 days and elevated temperature of 60°C for 4, 12 and 24 hours. Mechanical properties will be examined by compressive strength and flexural strength test, while the metallurgical properties will be evaluated with SEM, and TAM. The results of the mechanical test will be used to determine which geopolymer will perform well with the microstructure and thermal activity to support the finding. These attempts will be done in order to improve the properties of Bangka metakaolin geopolymer superior to commercial metakaolin.