Effect of Metakaolin on the Fresh Properties of Geopolymers

Metakaolin (MK) is widely used as a part of precursor. The incorporation of MK in the geopolymer mixture can affect its fresh properties such as workability and setting time. The incorporation of MK in the geopolymer mixture may have a positive effect or a negative effect on workability. This mainly depends on the type of precursor, Si/Na ratio, activator type and MK amount. The incorporation of MK in the geopolymer mixture decelerated its setting time. The rate of deceleration depends on the precursor type, Si/Na ratio, Si/Al ratio and MK ratio. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview, summary and analysis of previous studies that have examined the impact of MK on the workability and setting time of different types of geopolymers.