The Use of Waste Corn Cob as Aggregate in Geopolymer Mortar

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the effects of waste corn cob aggregate on the properties of volcanic tuff-based geopolymer mortar. Nevşehir Pozzolan, which is produced as waste during the stone-cutting process, was used as an aluminosilicate source. The effect of alkali activator type, concentration, activator ratio, and sand-to-corn cob ratio on the properties was experimentally investigated. Study results revealed that waste Nevşehir Pozzolan was a suitable aluminosilicate for the production of geopolymer mortar. The optimum activator type, concentration, and activator ratios were sodium hydroxide with sodium silicate, 10 M, and 2.0, respectively, because they ensured the highest mechanical properties. Waste corn cob aggregate could be used instead of natural sand, and geopolymer mortar with various corn cob contents can meet the performance requirements of conventional wall materials.

Keywords

• mısır koçanı
• atık agrega
• doğal puzolan
• jeopolimer harç
• corn cob
• waste aggregate
• natural pozzolan
• geopolymer mortar