Optimum curing temperature and duration of alkali-activated glass inorganic binders

The effects of curing temperature and duration on the compressive strength of alkali-activated glass inorganic binder (AAGIB) are investigated here. AAGIB specimens, produced by mixing glass powders with an activator containing only sodium hydroxide, were cured at temperatures ranging from 60 to 100 degrees C for various durations and then placed in air for different numbers of days. The short and long-term compressive strengths of AAGIBs under the curing process were measured and compared to one another. Results show that the optimal curing duration to give a maximum short-term compressive strength becomes shorter as the curing temperature is raised. However, the long-term compressive strengths of AAGIBs can be enhanced substantially if they are cured at a relatively low temperature for optimal curing duration. The resulting maximum compressive strengths of AAGIBs depend on the alkali-equivalent content in the activator. Consequently, the optimal alkali-equivalent content, curing temperature and curing duration for the production of AAGIBs are suggested.