RESEARCH ON STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF GEOPOLYMER BASED ON TUNGSTEN MINE WASTE AND RECYCLED GROUND GLASS

Introduction: Geopolymers are the modern inorganic materials obtained as a result of chemical reaction under strongly alkaline conditions. The main advantages of these materials are: high strength parameters, fire resistance, frost resistance and resistance to aggressive environment. Because of lower CO₂ emission during production process, they are also considered as environmentally friendly materials in comparison to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. Objectives: The aim of the investigation was to define the impact of recycled ground glass addition on mechanical properties of geopolymeric binder made from tungsten mine waste. Methods: The strength parameters of geopolymeric samples were determined on the basis of three-point flexural test and uniaxial compression test. Results: The geopolymer samples that contain 20%, 40% and 80% of recycled ground glass present similar flexural strength. The compressive strength of glass-based geopolymers increases with growing content of recycled ground glass. Conclusions: In terms of flexural strength, the most favourable composition was the mixture composed of 60% recycled ground glass and 40% tungsten mine waste. In terms of compressive strength, the most favourable composition was the mixture composed of 80% recycled ground glass and 20% tungsten mine waste.