Study on the Effects of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) in Geopolymer Cement Properties

Geopolymerization is the current booming field of research for utilizing solid waste and
by-products. It does give a cost-effective solution to many problems where hazardous
residue has to be treated and stored at critical environmental conditions. From
geopolymerization, a new technology which is geopolymer cement also known as green
cement has been introduced.Geopolymer cement is also said to reduced greenhouse gas
footprints when compared to conventional cement slurries used in oil and gas well
cementing operations.
In this project, the writer has been assigned to carry out the study on geopolymer
characteristic properties of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and its effects as geopolymer
cement materials. The main objective is to determine the relationship between
compressive strength with curing time and other effecting factor such as alkaline
solution concentration.Detailed study in the effects was carried out throught out the
project.
The experiments will be done by mixing the POFA with other materials such as alkaline
activators to produce cement paste. The cement paste is then poured into specific mould
size and left for curing at different curing time. The results of compressive strength test
are recorded and analysed.
In conclusion, the POFA geopolymer cement gives higher compressive strength in 12M
of sodium hydroxide solution and with increment of alkaline activators to POFA mass
ratio, the compressive strenght will increase.