Home Effects of PVA fibers and nano-SiO2 on rheological properties of geopolymer mortar
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Effects of PVA fibers and nano-SiO2 on rheological properties of geopolymer mortar

  • Guo Zhang , Peng Zhang EMAIL logo , Jinjun Guo and Shaowei Hu
Published/Copyright: November 1, 2024
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Abstract

Geopolymer mortar can be used as an environmentally friendly sustainable construction material for the repair and strengthening of already-existing structures with the utilization of various recycled materials, such as fly ash, slag powder, etc. With mature application of fibers and nanoparticles in construction materials, nano-SiO2 (NS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers have been utilized to enhance the properties of geopolymer mortar, which has a major impact on the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar. The rheological property tests of geopolymer mortar were carried out in this study, and three indices including dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and plastic viscosity were studied as rheological parameters. The results of the study were used to establish the relationships between PVA fiber content as well as NS content and rheological parameters. The results showed that a tendency of first decreasing and then increasing was observed in the rheological parameters with the addition of NS content from 0 to 2.5%. Compared with the geopolymer mortar without NS addition, the dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and the plastic viscosity increased by 22.6, 12.4, and 22.9%, respectively, when NS content was 2.5%. The results showed that the rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar increased linearly with the increment in PVA fiber content which was less than 1.2%. In comparison to the geopolymer mortar without PVA fibers, the dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and plastic viscosity increased by 65, 56, and 161%, respectively, as the PVA fiber content was 1.2%.

1 Introduction

As a major component of raw materials of cement mortar, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) will result in the creation of greenhouse gases during the production process and needs a significant quantity of energy and a variety of natural resources. According to related results, about 1.6 ton of raw materials are needed to produce 1 ton of cement. Additionally, the production process releases about 0.8 tons of greenhouse gas and utilizes about 1,300 kW h of embodied energy [1,2,3,4]. It is essential to find cementitious materials to replace OPC in light of the aforementioned considerations. Davidovits and Zhang et al. [5,6] used active aluminosilicate materials with a high alkali solution to prepare the geopolymer that would replace OPC. A novel kind of inorganic cementitious material called geopolymer can be made from geological sources and industrial wastes, such as fly ash (FA), bottom ash, blast furnace slag, metakaolin (MK), and so forth [7,8]. There are little NO x , SO x , and CO as well as low CO2 produced during the production of geopolymer [9]. Since little water is used during the geopolymerization process, geopolymer is an environmentally benign material [10]. Khalil and Merz [11] made a great breakthrough in the application of geopolymer in waste fixation. Furthermore, the mechanical property of geopolymer mortar is on par with or superior to the ordinary cement mortar [12]. The studies about the sulfate corrosion resistance of geopolymer mortar were carried out by Kwasny [13] who showed that the sulfate resistance could be enhanced by raising the temperature of curing and the molar concentration of sodium hydroxide solution as well as the reduction in the ratio of alkali solution to cementitious material. The optimum sulfate corrosion resistance was achieved when 50% FA, 35% powdered slag, and 15% silica powder were mixed in the geopolymer mortar specimen. Compared with OPC mortar, all kinds of geopolymer mortar had superior resistance to sulfate corrosion. In consequence, geopolymer mortar which has great potential in solving environmental pollution problems is a great substitute for traditional cement mortar.

Materials having particles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm are known as nanomaterials. The tiny diameters of the nanoparticles cause a large variation in the surface electrical structures and crystal structures, producing special nano-effects such as surface effects and small-size effects [14]. When compared to other nanoparticles, NS has more specific surface area and greater activity. Because of the distinct physical and chemical properties of NS, numerous properties of cement mortar, including durability, strength, and workability, can be enhanced by adding NS [15]. As the application of NS in cement mortar has been fully studied, more and more researchers began to add NS to geopolymer mortar. Deb et al. [16] pointed out that the strength and microstructure of geopolymer mortar might be significantly enhanced by the utilization of NS. SEM images showed that the geopolymer mixed with NS had dense microstructure with interlocking morphology. Adak et al. [17] found that the tensile, bending and compressive strength of geopolymer mortar with 6% NS addition was significantly improved after 28 days of curing at room temperature. Moreover, the modified geopolymer exhibited superior structural properties compared with the heat-cured geopolymer without NS.

There are some problems for cement mortars such as high brittleness, poor crack resistance, low toughness, and so on. Several researchers have conducted studies that metal fibers and synthetic fibers [18] are added to enhance crack resistance of cement mortar. The length of fissures in the mortar can be shortened and the tensile strength of cement mortar can be enhanced by adding of fibers. Geopolymer mortar has been made with diverse types of fibers including natural, steel, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and carbon fibers [19,20,21,22,23,24,25]. Among these, PVA fibers are frequently used to enhance the engineering and physical properties of cement mortar [26]. As a result of high tensile strength, elastic modulus, and affordability [27,28], PVA fibers have attracted significant attention recently. The mechanical properties of geopolymer curing at various temperatures with the PVA fibers volume concentration ranging from 0 to 1% were investigated by Ekaputri and Junaedi [29]. Researchers observed that the 28 days compressive strength of geopolymer increased by 14% when curing at 80℃ compared with at room temperature and the tensile strength of geopolymer mortar was optimized by adding 0.6% PVA fiber. There were also some studies [30] on the impact of PVA fiber contents on the pore structure and mechanical properties of mortar. The test results indicated that with the gradual addition of PVA fiber, the average and critical apertures of geopolymer mortar gradually decreased, which improved the bending and tensile properties of the mortar.

Rheology is a significant property that describes mortar workability, flowability, predictive stability, and pumpability [31]. Rheological properties refer to the properties of mortar deformation and flow under external forces. Moreover, the rheological properties have a significant influence on the migration and dispersion of cement mortar in grouting reinforcement applications [32]. The rheological properties affect the performance of geopolymer mortar construction ostensibly, and essentially decide the durability and mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar [33]. Coating state on the surface of the particles and the bonding strength among particles of the mortar is affected by the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar which are crucial to the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar [34]. As a consequence, studying the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar is essential. The improvement of rheological properties makes geopolymer mortar have better fluidity in the construction process, and can be more evenly distributed on the construction surface, reducing the construction difficulty and improving the construction efficiency. Moreover, a more compact structure of geopolymer mortar can be formed by the amelioration of rheological properties, to enhance its mechanical properties such as compressive and tensile strengths. Geopolymer mortar is similar to cement mortar in some aspects such as rheological properties. Therefore, when the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar are measured, the methods of cement mortar can be referred to. The rheological parameters of the geopolymer mortar are calculated with speed and torque by the rheometer to avoid errors caused by subjective factors. Faleschini et al. [35] tested the fresh cement with a coaxial rotating viscosimeter and proposed that the fresh cement could be taken as the Bingham fluid model. Therefore, the rheological properties of the material can be accurately described with the yield stress τ and viscosity μ. Perrot et al. [36] concluded that the rheological properties of cement mortar were impacted by the temperature and the contact time between water and cement [37]. Furthermore, there were some studies about the relationship between yield stress and standing time. The yield stress is caused by the microstructure between the particles in cement mortar. When the microstructure is broken by shear, the yield stress and apparent viscosity decrease. But the microstructure is re-formed with cement mortar standing, which causes the increase in the yield stress and apparent viscosity. In summary, the rheological properties of the mortar depend on the standing and shearing time [38].

Rheological parameters which are usually characterized in the form of shear stress and shear rate can be applied to assess the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar. There are some existing flow models of cement mortar, among which the Bingham model was the most commonly used one.

The Bingham model was proposed by Tattersall, which was successfully used by Peng et al. [39].

(1) τ = τ 0 + η × γ ,

where τ 0 is the initial yield stress, τ is the shear stress, η is the plastic viscosity, and γ is the shear rate.

With the continuous development of cement with low water to binder ratio, Bingham model had been unable to fit the curve γτ under low shear rate. In order to solve this problem, there is a more appropriate model which is the Herschel–Bulkley model [40]. This model is suitable for non-Newtonian fluids with a certain yield stress.

(2) τ = τ HB + c × γ P ,

where τ HB is the yield stress, c is the flow coefficient, γ is the shear rate, and P is the flow index.

Feys et al. improved the Bingham model for studying the fresh mortar with shear thickening phenomenon [41].

(3) τ = τ 0 + η × γ + c × γ 2 ,

where c is the second-order parameter, τ 0 is the initial yield stress, τ is the shear stress, η is the plastic viscosity, and γ is the shear rate.

Although the impacts of fibers and nanoparticles on the geopolymer mortar have been extensively studied, few studies have been carried out on the complementary reinforcement of PVA fibers and NS on geopolymer mortar. Furthermore, most of the studies about geopolymer mortar also focus on compressive strength, tensile strength and so on, but less on rheological properties [42]. Considering that the hardening properties, mechanical properties and durability of materials are determined by rheological properties, it is important to study rheological properties. Therefore, in this study NS and PVA fibers were employed as modified reinforcement materials to make geopolymer mortar and the parameters of geopolymer mortar were tested by the rheological property tests [43]. Based on the results, the impacts of PVA fibers and NS on the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar were discussed, to promote the further application of the modified geopolymer mortar in practical engineering, provide corresponding guidance, and give reference value for further research in the future.

2 Experiments

2.1 Materials

In this study, first-grade coal FA that complied with Chinese regulations was utilized from Datang Luoyang Thermal Power Plant of China. The chemical composition and ingredient contents of MK and FA determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are shown in Table 1. And the properties of the coal FA are displayed in Table 2. As the fine aggregate, ultra-fine quartz sand with particles ranging in size from 75 to 120 μm was applied. In this study, sodium silicate with the ratio of SiO2 to Na2O of 3.2 and sodium hydroxide with the purity of 99% were used as alkaline activators. NS and PVA fibers are utilized as modified reinforcement materials to prepare geopolymer mortar. The properties of NS and PVA fibers are listed in Tables 3 and 4. Kuraray Company of Japan and Hangzhou Wanjing New Material Company of China produced the PVA fiber and NS used in the test. A polycarboxylate superplasticizer with a water-reducing rate of 21%, manufactured by Xingchen Chemical Company of China, was the high efficiency water-reducing agent used. MK was produced by Shijiazhuang Chenxing Industrial Company of China. The physical and chemical compositions of MK are shown in Table 5 and 6.

Table 1

Chemical composition and ingredient contents of MK and FA determined by XRF

Composition Ingredient contents (wt%)
SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO MgO K2O Na2O TiO2
MK 54.34 43.52 1.17 0.42 0.35 0.26 0.18 0.06
FA 55.47 23.05 5.75 5.17 1.16 2.91 0.97 1.45
Table 2

Properties of coal FA

Degree of fineness (%) Water demand ratio (%) Water content (%) Ignition loss (%) Sulfur trioxide content (%) Free calcium (%)
9.21 91.1 0.5 5.24 1.21 0.19
Table 3

Properties of NS

Specific surface area (m2/g) Stacking density (g/cm3) pH Nominal particle size (nm) Loss on ignition (%)
200 0.054 6.21 30 1.0
Table 4

Properties of PVA fibers

Fiber length (mm) Filament diameter (µm) Elongation at fracture (%) Flexural
12 40 6.5 1,560
Table 5

Main physical properties of MK

Items Lime activity (mL) Strength activity index (%) Average particle size (μm) Whiteness (%) Burn loss (%)
Numerical 1,350 12 1.2 70–80 0.5
Table 6

Main chemical composition of MK

Items Al2O3 CaO + MgO Fe2O3 SiO2 K2O + Na2O
Content (%) 43 ± 2 ≤0.8 ≤1.3 54 ± 2 ≤0.7

2.2 Mix proportions

The cement/sand and the water to binder ratio were maintained at 1.0 and 0.65 throughout the materials mixing process. Additionally, 0.5% of the water-reducing agent was present. The purpose of the study is to explore the influence of a single factor on the rheological properties of geopolymer, and the effect of both the NS and PVA fiber will be considered in the future research. Therefore, a single factor is applied to design the experimental mix proportions in the study. The volume fractions of PVA fiber were chosen at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2%, while the mass fractions of cementing materials for NS were chosen at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%. Twelve mix proportions in all were employed in this study, as displayed in Table 7. It has been observed that the replacement of FA in MK enhances the physical properties and improves the mechanical properties of mortar [44]. Therefore, in this study FA and MK are used together to make geopolymer mortar.

Table 7

Mix proportions of geopolymer mortar

Mix number NaOH (kg/m3) Water glass (kg/m3) FA (kg/m3) MK (kg/m3) PVA fiber (%) Nanoparticle (%) Water reducer (kg/m3)
M-0-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 0 0 3.07
P-0.2-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 0.2 0 3.07
P-0.4-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 0.4 0 3.07
P-0.6-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 0.6 0 3.07
P-0.8-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 0.8 0 3.07
P-1.0-0 71 445.4 184.1 429.5 1.0 0 3.07
P-1.2-0 71 445.4 183.1 427.2 1.2 0 3.07
N-0-0.5 71 445.4 182.2 425 0 0.5 3.07
N-0-1.0 71 445.4 181.2 422.7 0 1.0 3.07
N-0-1.5 71 445.4 180.2 420.4 0 1.5 3.07
N-0-2.0 71 445.4 182.2 425 0 2.0 3.07
N-0-2.5 71 445.4 182.2 425 0 2.5 3.07

2.3 Mixture preparation and experimental method

2.3.1 Mixture preparation

In order to ensure that the mortar had superior workability and strength, it was necessary to make NS and PVA fiber evenly dispersed in the geopolymer mortar [45]. NS has a large specific surface area, which causes weak dispersibility [46]. Given its detrimental effect on the alkalinity, the NS was introduced to the geopolymer mortar after first being combined with water and the water reducer. Both wet and dry mixing methods were used in the study. First, for 2 min, the FA, MK, and other powders were dry-mixed. Following the addition of lamellar NaOH, the mixture was stirred once more for 2 min. After adding the NS, water reducer, and additional water, the mixture was mixed for an additional 2 min. Finally, the mixture was stirred for 2 min after each addition of PVA fiber, which was added in two batches. A Hobart mixer was used to combine all of the raw ingredients. After the preparation of geopolymer mortar was completed, the mortar was put into the rheometer to test the rheological parameters.

2.3.2 Rheological test

For testing the rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar, the TR-CRI automatic mortar rheometer was used [47], as displayed in Figure 1. Specific test methods are as follows.

  1. The fresh mortar was poured into the test bucket to 2/3 of its volume, and then the test bucket was raised to the position of submerged cross rotor 150 mm. The static yield stress was computed, after the torque test at 0.1 rps.

  2. Following the completion of the static test, with the immersion depth of the cross rotor left unaltered, the torques obtained at the revolutions from 0.15 to 0.6 rps with each interval of 0.05 rps were carried out one after the other. Plastic viscosity and dynamic yield stress were computed.

Figure 1 
                     Rheological testing equipment.
Figure 1

Rheological testing equipment.

Due to the complexity of impeller rotation, the exact shear rate and shear stress cannot be obtained. As a result, the measured torque and impeller rotation speed were used to calculate the parameters.

(4) T = G + H × N ,

where T is the torque, G is the intercept between the extension line of the linear section of the curve and the Y-axis, H is the slope of the linear segment of the curve, and N is the impeller rotation speed.

3 Results and discussion

3.1 Multivariate discriminant model

When it comes to assessing the capacity of materials to flow and deform when subjected to external shear stress, rheological properties test methods are more precise and impartial than conventional workability test methods used for the mortar. This approach was utilized for the analysis of rheological parameters of cement mortar because the data acquired in the rheology measurement procedure were well-reliable and repeatable [48,49]. Through regression analysis, the optimal curve was obtained. The result showed that, in comparison to other commonly used rheological models, the data fitted the modified Bingham model better. The linear relationship between torque T and rotational speed n in the rheological property tests is presented in Figure 2 when the NS and PVA fiber were added. Torque corresponding to the same rotational speed increases when the NS and PVA fiber contents increase. The strength of linear relationship first displayed a tendency of falling and then increasing with the increase in the NS contents ranging from 0 to 2.5% while the strength of linear relationship was added with the increase in PVA fiber volume contents ranging from 0% to 1.2%. The least squares method provides a linear fit for rotational speed and torque at every measurement point. According to the fitting results, there is a strong connection (0.97364 ≤ R 2 ≤ 0.99708) between rotational speed and torque of the mortar with NS and PVA fiber, so the geopolymer mortar can be considered as Bingham fluid [50].

Figure 2 
                  The linear relationship between torque T and rotational speed n with the addition of (a) NS and (b) PVA fiber.
Figure 2

The linear relationship between torque T and rotational speed n with the addition of (a) NS and (b) PVA fiber.

3.2 Influence of PVA fiber on rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar

3.2.1 Yield stress

The yield stress of geopolymer mortar with varying PVA fiber compositions are indicated in Figure 3. The figure reveals that the yield stress of the mortar progressively increases when the PVA fiber contents increase. Both the dynamic yield stress and static yield stress increase by 45.51 and 49.91%, respectively, when the PVA fiber contents reach 1.2%. The yield stress at the origin of the deformation of the fibers is not the one of the suspending fluids but the one of the resulting suspensions composed of both the suspending fluid and the fibers themselves. Fiber conformation in concentrated systems, depends on fiber concentration. As a consequence, increasing the amount of PVA fiber will increase the dynamic yield stress and static yield stress [51]. Furthermore, data analysis software is used to fit yield stress and PVA fiber content. There is a linear relationship between the PVA fiber contents and static yield stress as well as dynamic yield stress [52]. The correlation coefficients are above 0.9. The conclusion is similar to the findings of Dhasindrakrishna in the rheological parameters of foamed cement [53]. Yield stress is the lowest shear stress needed to drive the mortar from a static to a flowing state. Wang et al. [54] concluded that yield stress was the main parameter affecting fiber distribution. Based on the two-phase composite theoretical model [55], geopolymer mortar is regarded as a suspension containing fibers, the rheological parameters of which are jointly affected by matrix rheological parameters and fiber parameters. The yield stress is related to the particle spacing when the particle composition is the same and the dosage of water reducer is fixed. In this case, only the influence of fiber parameters is considered. When fiber is added to a suspending fluid, it can minimize the distance among particles and improve adhesion and the volume fraction of suspension which causes the increase in the yield stress.

Figure 3 
                     Influence of PVA fiber on yield stress of geopolymer mortar. (a) Static yield stress. (b) Dynamic yield stress.
Figure 3

Influence of PVA fiber on yield stress of geopolymer mortar. (a) Static yield stress. (b) Dynamic yield stress.

The results mentioned above are related to two reasons listed below. First, there are a lot of hydroxyl hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of PVA fiber. Water is easy to accumulate on the surface of PVA fiber, which reduces the free water that plays the role of lubrication between particles. As a result, the particle spacing decreases slowly with the initial flow speed of the mortar, leading to increased flow resistance. Second, the entanglement and clumping of PVA fiber become obvious. The overlap probability and the number of mesh structures [56] between the fibers add flow resistance and lead to an increase in the yield stress. The hydration flocculation and interparticle tensions of cement mortar are the primary formation factors of net structures. Zeta potential, electronic repulsion, and Van der Waals attraction make up the forces. Cao et al. [57] found that the higher aspect ratio and ductility of PVA fiber, as opposed to steel fiber, made it simpler for the fiber to entwine within the mortar, leading to the problem for mortar flow.

3.2.2 Plastic viscosity

Plastic viscosity, a measure of resistance in mortar while the materials are flowing, is impacted by the characteristics of particles such as concentration, the forces among particles, and shape and size distribution [58]. The impact of the PVA fiber contents on the plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar is showed in Figure 4. With the continued increase in PVA fiber contents, the plastic viscosity gradually increases. When the fiber contents increase from 0 to 1.2%, the plastic viscosity increases by 94.61%. Moreover, the relational expression between plastic viscosity and PVA fiber contents is also fitted. This expression indicates that the plastic viscosity is proportionate to the fiber content, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. Particle shapes affect the plastic viscosity of mortar such that spherical particle < grain shape particle < tabular particle < needle like particle [59]. The phenomenon can be expressed as – the bigger the aspect ratio of the particle, the more impact it has on the plastic viscosity of mortar. Consequently, a denser mortar produced by the higher aspect ratio of PVA fiber is committed to the increase in plastic viscosity. The point can be supported by the conclusions drawn by Zhang et al. [60].

Figure 4 
                     Influence of PVA fiber on plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar.
Figure 4

Influence of PVA fiber on plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar.

The large aspect ratio of PVA fiber allows it to absorb free water in mortar. Thus, in comparison to the previous situation without fibers, the thickness of the water film between the solid particles decreases [61]. The decrease in free water content increases the concentration of particles distributed in suspension, which results in an increasing in the friction resistance between mortar particles. Marti et al. [62] showed the same view that, like suspensions in Newtonian fluids, the rheological parameters of fiber-polymer solutions are connected with the volume content of fiber. The introduction of fiber results in a higher concentration of solid phase [63], increasing the plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar. Beyond that, with the addition of PVA fiber contents, the impact of the network structure formed by the fiber is greater than the fiber damage to the flocculation structure of the mortar, resulting in an increase in the plastic viscosity. The rheological parameters of the mortar are adversely affected by the addition of PVA fiber. Si et al. [64] reached the conclusion similar to the test.

3.3 Influence of NS on rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar

3.3.1 Yield stress

The variation in yield stress with NS incorporation is displayed in Figure 5. As the NS contents increase, the yield stress of the mortar decreases first and subsequently increases. The optimal quantity of NS in this study is 1.0%, at which the dynamic yield stress and static yield stress is 472.8 and 296.202 Pa. Compared with no NS addition, the static yield stress and dynamic yield stress decrease by 15.5 and 18.1%. Different from PVA fiber, the fit curve between NS and static yield stress is cubic curve, with quadratic curve for NS and dynamic yield stress. The correlation coefficients are 0.80 and 0.86. This result is also reflected in review of related properties of nanomaterials studied by Song and Li [65]. As the maximum stress to prevent the plastic deformation of the mortar, the static yield stress is mainly produced by the friction and adhesion among the particles. The dynamic yield stress refers to the maximum stress required to keep the mortar flowing [66]. Because of the finer NS particles, NS can fill the voids in the geopolymer mortar. After a small number of NS is added to the mortar, the “ball effect” play a role in the mortar [67], which improves the interfacial friction and facilitates the relative slip of the particles. Therefore, small amounts of NS can reduce the yield stress.

Figure 5 
                     Influence of NS on yield stress of geopolymer mortar. (a) Static yield stress. (b) Dynamic yield stress.
Figure 5

Influence of NS on yield stress of geopolymer mortar. (a) Static yield stress. (b) Dynamic yield stress.

NS has a large surface area [68], which allows water molecules to be absorbed to its surface, lowering the quantity of free water required for lubrication, increasing the rheological parameters and decreasing the fluidity of geopolymer mortar. Moreover, the test results show that when NS in water contacts with the mortar, the negatively charged NS interacts electrostatically with the particles, causing flocculation and the formation of aggregates [69]. One important aspect influencing the yield stress of geopolymer mortar is the flocculated structure, which entraps a significant quantity of free water. The absence of free water causes the frictional resistance between the sheets and the particles to increase, which lowers fluidity and increases rheological parameters. The explanation is reflected in the review of Li et al. [70]. The yield stress increases with the increase in interparticle friction resistance. Consequently, more NS weakens the rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar. Hu and Wang [71] explored the effects of NS on the physical parameters, fluidity, and microstructure of ultra-fine all-tailings cement mortar, proposing that NS particles have a great propensity to agglomerate. The result also indicates that the NS content above the threshold will increase the frictional resistance.

3.3.2 Plastic viscosity

The plastic viscosity is the property of the internal structure to hinder mortar flowing, reflecting the deformation speed of the mortar. Figure 6 indicates the connection between NS mass content and plastic viscosity. When the mass content of NS increases from 0 to 1.0%, the plastic viscosity decreases slightly, by 4.4%. But with the increase in the NS contents from 1.0 to 2.5%, the plastic viscosity gradually increases. Compared with 1% NS contents of geopolymer mortar, the plastic viscosity increases by 85.6%. The correlation coefficient between the mass content of NS and plastic viscosity is 0.99 by quadratic curve fitting. A portion of the free water is covered with aggregated particles when NS is not introduced to geopolymer mortar [72]. Because of the small size and electrostatic repulsion, small amounts of NS applied to geopolymer mortar will cover the space left by the particle aggregations. As a result, the water that is enclosed in the particles can be swapped out and turned into free water. The action of the NS in the mortar is called the substitution effect [73,74]. Additionally, during the mixing process, the spherical NS might act as a ball lubricant between the particles, enhancing the relative motion of particles. We refer to this phenomenon as the ball lubrication effect [75]. The hydrodynamic force in geopolymer mortar will be reduced by the combination of substitution effect and ball lubrication effect, which could contribute to lowering the viscosity of plastic.

Figure 6 
                     Influence of NS content on plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar.
Figure 6

Influence of NS content on plastic viscosity of geopolymer mortar.

However, because of the pozzolanic effect of NS and the adsorption action of free water, NS can react with free water to speed up the synthesis of hydration products. NS plays a filling role while interacting with Ca(OH)2 to generate a calcium silicate hydrate gel (C–S–H). The hydration reaction is further accelerated by this exothermic reaction. This increases the solid fraction and causes the plastic viscosity to increase. Results of the study regarding the surface properties of NPs by Li et al. [76] show that the cement mortar with lipophilic NS has minimum viscosity than that with hydrophilic NS. Furthermore, when NS is incorporated, the plastic viscosity is more connected with the shape [77], thickness, particle size distribution [78], and specific surface [79] of the particles in the mortar. In consideration of the huge specific surface of NS, the more NS content is added, the larger the specific surface of the whole geopolymer mortar [80]. The water requirement of the particles in the wetted mortar will also increase [81]. Under the condition of the same water consumption, the relative sliding between the particles will become difficult, thus increasing the plastic viscosity. Jalal et al. and Turkmenoglu et al. [74,82] studied the impact of nanoparticles on the rheology of high-strength self-compacting concrete with the same results.

Although C–S–H gel can fill pores and create a three-dimensional network structure, which can enhance the fracture properties of geopolymer mortar, PVA has a stronger impact on fracture qualities than NS. However, NS primarily enhances the microstructure of geopolymer mortar, and the improvement impact is restricted. Additionally, too much NS can cause agglomeration, which increases matrix defects and lessens lifting effect. The effect of both the NS and PVA fiber will be considered in the future research. One can infer from the study of Zhang that the change in PVA fiber content was the main factor affecting the rheological parameters when NS and PVA fiber were incorporated at the same time. The rheological parameters of both NS and PVA fiber in geopolymer mortar are lower than that of only adding PVA fiber. This is due to the fact that the C-S-H gel produced by adding NS can enhance adhesion and properties of PVA fiber while also optimizing the pore structure of the matrix.

4 Conclusion

In this study, the impacts of NS and PVA fiber on the rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar were studied with rheological property tests. The following are the major conclusions.

  1. There is a strong connection (0.97364 ≤ R 2 ≤ 0.99708) between rotational speed and torque of the mortar with the NS and PVA fibers. So rheological property test results indicate that all the proportions of geopolymer mortar in this test conform to Bingham model and can be regarded as Bingham fluids. The rheological properties of geopolymer mortar can be accurately described with yield stress τ and plastic viscosity µ.

  2. Adding PVA fiber has great impact on the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar. With the addition of PVA fiber contents, the entanglement and clumping of PVA fiber become obvious which leads to increased flow resistance, resulting in the rheological parameters increasing. The rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar were added with the increase in PVA fiber volume contents ranging from 0 to 1.2%. The dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and plastic viscosity increased by 45.51, 49.91, and 94.61%, respectively, when the volume content of PVA fiber increased to 1.2%.

  3. The rheological properties of geopolymer mortar can be affected by the NS mass content. After a small number of NS is added into the mortar, the “ball effect” play a role in the mortar, which improves the interfacial friction and facilitates the relative slip of the particles, resulting in the decrease in rheological parameters. When NS content exceeds a certain limit, larger surface area allows the water molecules to be absorbed to its surface, lowering the quantity of free water required for lubrication and increasing the rheological parameters. The rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar first displayed a tendency of decreasing and then increasing with the increase in the NS contents ranging from 0 to 2.5%. In this study, the optimum content of NS was 1.0%. Compared with the geopolymer mortar without NS addition, the dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and the plastic viscosity decreased by 18.1, 15.5, and 4.4%, respectively.

  1. Funding information: The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support received from Natural Science Foundation of Henan (Grant No. 232300421003) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. U2040224).

  2. Author contributions: Guo Zhang: Data curation, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Software, Writing – original draft. Peng Zhang: Conceptualization, Investigation, Visualization, Funding acquisition, Writing – review & editing. Jinjun Guo: Investigation, Resources, Writing – review & editing, Funding acquisition. Shaowei Hu: Project administration, Investigation, Writing – review & editing. All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  3. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

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Received: 2024-04-04
Revised: 2024-07-15
Accepted: 2024-09-15
Published Online: 2024-11-01

© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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  74. One-pot fabrication of open-spherical shapes based on the decoration of copper sulfide/poly-O-amino benzenethiol on copper oxide as a promising photocathode for hydrogen generation from the natural source of Red Sea water
  75. A penta-hybrid approach for modeling the nanofluid flow in a spatially dependent magnetic field
  76. Advancing sustainable agriculture: Metal-doped urea–hydroxyapatite hybrid nanofertilizer for agro-industry
  77. Utilizing Ziziphus spina-christi for eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Antimicrobial activity and promising application in wound healing
  78. Plant-mediated synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a copper oxide/silicon dioxide nanocomposite by an antimicrobial study
  79. Effects of PVA fibers and nano-SiO2 on rheological properties of geopolymer mortar
  80. Investigating silver and alumina nanoparticles’ impact on fluid behavior over porous stretching surface
  81. Potential pharmaceutical applications and molecular docking study for green fabricated ZnO nanoparticles mediated Raphanus sativus: In vitro and in vivo study
  82. Effect of temperature and nanoparticle size on the interfacial layer thickness of TiO2–water nanofluids using molecular dynamics
  83. Characteristics of induced magnetic field on the time-dependent MHD nanofluid flow through parallel plates
  84. Flexural and vibration behaviours of novel covered CFRP composite joints with an MWCNT-modified adhesive
  85. Experimental research on mechanically and thermally activation of nano-kaolin to improve the properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete
  86. Analysis of variable fluid properties for three-dimensional flow of ternary hybrid nanofluid on a stretching sheet with MHD effects
  87. Biodegradability of corn starch films containing nanocellulose fiber and thymol
  88. Toxicity assessment of copper oxide nanoparticles: In vivo study
  89. Some measures to enhance the energy output performances of triboelectric nanogenerators
  90. Reinforcement of graphene nanoplatelets on water uptake and thermomechanical behaviour of epoxy adhesive subjected to water ageing conditions
  91. Optimization of preparation parameters and testing verification of carbon nanotube suspensions used in concrete
  92. Max-phase Ti3SiC2 and diverse nanoparticle reinforcements for enhancement of the mechanical, dynamic, and microstructural properties of AA5083 aluminum alloy via FSP
  93. Advancing drug delivery: Neural network perspectives on nanoparticle-mediated treatments for cancerous tissues
  94. PEG-PLGA core–shell nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of picoplatin–hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in triple-negative breast cancer: In vitro and in vivo study
  95. Conduction transportation from graphene to an insulative polymer medium: A novel approach for the conductivity of nanocomposites
  96. Review Articles
  97. Developments of terahertz metasurface biosensors: A literature review
  98. Overview of amorphous carbon memristor device, modeling, and applications for neuromorphic computing
  99. Advances in the synthesis of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) of proteins extracted from nature
  100. A review of ternary polymer nanocomposites containing clay and calcium carbonate and their biomedical applications
  101. Recent advancements in polyoxometalate-functionalized fiber materials: A review
  102. Special contribution of atomic force microscopy in cell death research
  103. A comprehensive review of oral chitosan drug delivery systems: Applications for oral insulin delivery
  104. Cellular senescence and nanoparticle-based therapies: Current developments and perspectives
  105. Cyclodextrins-block copolymer drug delivery systems: From design and development to preclinical studies
  106. Micelle-based nanoparticles with stimuli-responsive properties for drug delivery
  107. Critical assessment of the thermal stability and degradation of chemically functionalized nanocellulose-based polymer nanocomposites
  108. Research progress in preparation technology of micro and nano titanium alloy powder
  109. Nanoformulations for lysozyme-based additives in animal feed: An alternative to fight antibiotic resistance spread
  110. Incorporation of organic photochromic molecules in mesoporous silica materials: Synthesis and applications
  111. A review on modeling of graphene and associated nanostructures reinforced concrete
  112. A review on strengthening mechanisms of carbon quantum dots-reinforced Cu-matrix nanocomposites
  113. Review on nanocellulose composites and CNFs assembled microfiber toward automotive applications
  114. Nanomaterial coating for layered lithium rich transition metal oxide cathode for lithium-ion battery
  115. Application of AgNPs in biomedicine: An overview and current trends
  116. Nanobiotechnology and microbial influence on cold adaptation in plants
  117. Hepatotoxicity of nanomaterials: From mechanism to therapeutic strategy
  118. Applications of micro-nanobubble and its influence on concrete properties: An in-depth review
  119. A comprehensive systematic literature review of ML in nanotechnology for sustainable development
  120. Exploiting the nanotechnological approaches for traditional Chinese medicine in childhood rhinitis: A review of future perspectives
  121. Twisto-photonics in two-dimensional materials: A comprehensive review
  122. Current advances of anticancer drugs based on solubilization technology
  123. Recent process of using nanoparticles in the T cell-based immunometabolic therapy
  124. Future prospects of gold nanoclusters in hydrogen storage systems and sustainable environmental treatment applications
  125. Preparation, types, and applications of one- and two-dimensional nanochannels and their transport properties for water and ions
  126. Microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics of Mg–Gd–x systems: A review of recent advancements
  127. Functionalized nanostructures and targeted delivery systems with a focus on plant-derived natural agents for COVID-19 therapy: A review and outlook
  128. Mapping evolution and trends of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles: A bibliometric analysis and scoping review
  129. Nanoparticles and their application in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
  130. In situ growth of carbon nanotubes on fly ash substrates
  131. Structural performance of boards through nanoparticle reinforcement: An advance review
  132. Reinforcing mechanisms review of the graphene oxide on cement composites
  133. Seed regeneration aided by nanomaterials in a climate change scenario: A comprehensive review
  134. Surface-engineered quantum dot nanocomposites for neurodegenerative disorder remediation and avenue for neuroimaging
  135. Graphitic carbon nitride hybrid thin films for energy conversion: A mini-review on defect activation with different materials
  136. Nanoparticles and the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
  137. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials and Composites for Energy Conversion and Storage - Part II
  138. Highly safe lithium vanadium oxide anode for fast-charging dendrite-free lithium-ion batteries
  139. Recent progress in nanomaterials of battery energy storage: A patent landscape analysis, technology updates, and future prospects
  140. Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture, Environment and Utilization for Energy Sustainability - Part II
  141. Calcium-, magnesium-, and yttrium-doped lithium nickel phosphate nanomaterials as high-performance catalysts for electrochemical water oxidation reaction
  142. Low alkaline vegetation concrete with silica fume and nano-fly ash composites to improve the planting properties and soil ecology
  143. Mesoporous silica-grafted deep eutectic solvent-based mixed matrix membranes for wastewater treatment: Synthesis and emerging pollutant removal performance
  144. Electrochemically prepared ultrathin two-dimensional graphitic nanosheets as cathodes for advanced Zn-based energy storage devices
  145. Enhanced catalytic degradation of amoxicillin by phyto-mediated synthesised ZnO NPs and ZnO-rGO hybrid nanocomposite: Assessment of antioxidant activity, adsorption, and thermodynamic analysis
  146. Incorporating GO in PI matrix to advance nanocomposite coating: An enhancing strategy to prevent corrosion
  147. Synthesis, characterization, thermal stability, and application of microporous hyper cross-linked polyphosphazenes with naphthylamine group for CO2 uptake
  148. Engineering in ceramic albite morphology by the addition of additives: Carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide for energy applications
  149. Nanoscale synergy: Optimizing energy storage with SnO2 quantum dots on ZnO hexagonal prisms for advanced supercapacitors
  150. Aging assessment of silicone rubber materials under corona discharge accompanied by humidity and UV radiation
  151. Tuning structural and electrical properties of Co-precipitated and Cu-incorporated nickel ferrite for energy applications
  152. Sodium alginate-supported AgSr nanoparticles for catalytic degradation of malachite green and methyl orange in aqueous medium
  153. An environmentally greener and reusability approach for bioenergy production using Mallotus philippensis (Kamala) seed oil feedstock via phytonanotechnology
  154. Micro-/nano-alumina trihydrate and -magnesium hydroxide fillers in RTV-SR composites under electrical and environmental stresses
  155. Mechanism exploration of ion-implanted epoxy on surface trap distribution: An approach to augment the vacuum flashover voltages
  156. Nanoscale engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts boosting charge separation for solar-driven H2 production: Recent advances and future perspective
  157. Excellent catalytic performance over reduced graphene-boosted novel nanoparticles for oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil
  158. Special Issue on Advances in Nanotechnology for Agriculture
  159. Deciphering the synergistic potential of mycogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles and bio-slurry formulation on phenology and physiology of Vigna radiata
  160. Nanomaterials: Cross-disciplinary applications in ornamental plants
  161. Special Issue on Catechol Based Nano and Microstructures
  162. Polydopamine films: Versatile but interface-dependent coatings
  163. In vitro anticancer activity of melanin-like nanoparticles for multimodal therapy of glioblastoma
  164. Poly-3,4-dihydroxybenzylidenhydrazine, a different analogue of polydopamine
  165. Chirality and self-assembly of structures derived from optically active 1,2-diaminocyclohexane and catecholamines
  166. Advancing resource sustainability with green photothermal materials: Insights from organic waste-derived and bioderived sources
  167. Bioinspired neuromelanin-like Pt(iv) polymeric nanoparticles for cancer treatment
  168. Special Issue on Implementing Nanotechnology for Smart Healthcare System
  169. Intelligent explainable optical sensing on Internet of nanorobots for disease detection
  170. Special Issue on Green Mono, Bi and Tri Metallic Nanoparticles for Biological and Environmental Applications
  171. Tracking success of interaction of green-synthesized Carbopol nanoemulgel (neomycin-decorated Ag/ZnO nanocomposite) with wound-based MDR bacteria
  172. Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using genus Inula and evaluation of biological therapeutics and environmental applications
  173. Biogenic fabrication and multifunctional therapeutic applications of silver nanoparticles synthesized from rose petal extract
  174. Metal oxides on the frontlines: Antimicrobial activity in plant-derived biometallic nanoparticles
  175. Controlling pore size during the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles using CTAB by the sol–gel hydrothermal method and their biological activities
  176. Special Issue on State-of-Art Advanced Nanotechnology for Healthcare
  177. Applications of nanomedicine-integrated phototherapeutic agents in cancer theranostics: A comprehensive review of the current state of research
  178. Smart bionanomaterials for treatment and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease
  179. Beyond conventional therapy: Synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles for rheumatoid arthritis therapy
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