Thermo-physicochemical properties of rice husk ash geopolymer mortar with fly ash, plaster of Paris, and OPC mortars with varying molarities of sodium hydroxide

In this study, the comparison of rice husk ash (RHA)- and fly ash (FA)-based geopolymer mortar with traditional plaster of Paris and ordinary Portland cement mortars is carried out, which focuses on mechanical and durability properties as well as heat insulation. RHA and FA by-products from rice milling and thermal power plants are activated using an alkaline solution to create a geopolymer binder. Mortar specimens were made and tested for compressive, tensile, and flexural strength; density; water absorption; acid attack; and heat conductivity. The findings show that RHA-based geopolymer mortar has better heat insulation, similar strength, and high durability to FA-based mortar and conventional mortars, making it a promising material for sustainable construction.