Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Hybrid Wollastonite–Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers

Over the past few decades, researchers have focused on developing new production methods for geopolymers to improve their properties for use in multiple applications as a functional material. This study introduces a new geopolymer system based on wollastonite and metakaolin as precursors. The role of wollastonite was also explored alongside metakaolin in geopolymers. Geopolymers were synthesized by adding wollastonite to metakaolin in different ratios: 0 wt.%, 12.5 wt.%, 25 wt.%, and 50 wt.%. The alkaline activator was then mixed with the powder, wollastonite, and metakaolin to prepare the geopolymers. In addition to mechanical tests, the hardened geopolymers were characterized using XRD, TGA, and SEM techniques. The findings revealed that adding wollastonite in amounts of 0 wt.%-12.5 wt.% did not affect the strength of the geopolymers. Increasing wollastonite between 25 wt.% and 50 wt.% significantly increased the geopolymers' flexural and compressive strength from 3 MPa to 12.3 MPa and from 23 MPa to 54 MPa, respectively. The use of wollastonite as a precursor also led to fundamental changes in the microstructural structure of the geopolymer matrix: a new crystal phase, (Ca₅(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂), calciochondrodite was formed, and the Si-Al-Na crystal phase disappeared, leading to significant changes in the amorphous phase.