Developing Geopolymer Composites with Structural Damage Control Potential: Utilization of Blast Furnace Slag, Calcined Clay, and MWCNT

An experimental investigation was carried out to develop geopolymer composites with the potential to self-control structural damage. In this study, blast furnace slag, calcined clay and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were substituted into the geopolymer matrix. Firstly, reference samples with 5%, 10% and 15% calcined clay substitution were formed in the experiments. It was observed that geopolymer composites with 10% calcined clay substitution gave the best results. Secondly, MWCNTs were substituted at 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% to geopolymer concrete samples with 10% calcined clay substitution. The effect of increasing MWCNT amount on the electrical properties of geopolymer concrete was investigated. SEM/EDS, XRD analyses, microstructure and phase investigations were also carried out. 1% MWCNT substitution added to the sample prepared with 10% calcined clay substitution was found to give the best result compared to other addition ratios. This experimental study is very important for the design of durable and long-lasting structures in the field of structural engineering. The study is also necessary for structural damage control of geopolymer composites. This study aimed to make new geopolymer composite structures more durable and to provide good electrical conductivity. Thus, it shows that it can shed light on further research.