Microwave absorption function on a novel one-part binary geopolymer: Influence of frequency, ageing and mix design

This paper presents an innovative application of a one-part geopolymer for microwave absorption. The influences of frequency, ageing time and mixing formulations on the mechanical, dielectric, and microwave-absorbing performance of the one-part binary geopolymer using fly ash and ladle furnace slag were investigated. The mixing formulations included alkali activators-to-aluminosilicate sources, sodium metasilicate-to-sodium hydroxide, and water -to -binder ratios. The results demonstrated that the dielectric constant decreased while the dielectric loss and loss tangent increased and remained constant with increasing frequency. The geopolymers have the highest dielectric values at an early age and diminish with ageing time. These resulted in the geopolymers having excellent microwave absorption (50 - 80%) at high -frequency levels and later ages. A higher water content resulted in higher porosity, reducing mechanical strength but enhancing microwave absorption. An optimal water content must be attained to achieve dual mechanical strength and microwave absorption performance.