• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.121-127
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• 2011

In this study, possible use of indigenous natural loess (Hwangtoh) as a new binding material via geopolymerization process is examined. Hwangtoh pastes with four different mix proportions of varying alkali liquid concentrations (6 M, 8 M) and the constituents of the binder as well as the alkali liquid at a constant liquid-to-binder ratio of 0.55 were prepared. Analysis of the natural loess (Hwangtoh) paste was carried out as follows : 1) Measurement of compressive strength and weight of cubic specimens versus curing time; 2) Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) about reaction product; 3) Porosity analysis of hardened Hwangtoh paste. The result showed that it is possible to prepare Hwangtoh paste with 29.1 MPa at the age of 7 day by using alkali solution (made as 1 : 4.5 the mass ratio of liquefied $Na_2SiO_3$ and NaOH solution and applying the curing temperature of $60^{\circ}C$). Compressive strength development with respect to the degree of moisture evaporation from the paste seems to be independent of curing temperature. Therefore, it seems that higher early strength of the paste specimens cured at higher temperature can be attributed to both higher rate of reaction and moisture evaporation.