The Potential of Geopolymers-TiO2 NPs Composites As Self-Cleaning Materials

The main purpose of this study was to develop and characterize the potential of geopolymers-TiO2 NPs as self-cleaning materials. Geopolymers was synthesized through alkali activated of metakaolin and cured at 60 degrees C for 2 hours. The composites were produced by added geopolymers resin with TiO2 NPs by varying the mass of TiO2 relative to the mass of metakaolin, namely 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%. Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) characterization was used to study the morphology and elemental composition of the starting and the resulting materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the chemical composition and crystal structure of the samples composites. The mechanical properties of the composites were observed through compressive and flexural strength measurements by using universal testing machine. The result of XRD showed that TiO2 NPs formed a new phase in geopolymers network. SEM results showed that the bond between the matrix and the aggregate is good TiO2 NPs is evenly distributed on the surface of the geopolymers matrix. The self-cleaning test was performed by exposing the sample to UV light for 24 and 48 hours. The results revealed that the composites has a potential as self-cleaning material.