The Effect of Mechanical Activation Method on Kaolin-Based Geopolymer Ceramic

Khairun Atiqah Abdul Rahman; Romisuhani Ahmad; Wan Mastura Wan Ibrahim; Mohd Mustafa AlBakri Abdullah; Shayfull Zamree Abd Rahim; Nur Bahijah Mustapa; Noor Fifinatasha Shahedan

doi:10.58915/aset.v5i2.3552

Authors

Khairun Atiqah Abdul Rahman Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Romisuhani Ahmad Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Wan Mastura Wan Ibrahim Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Mohd Mustafa AlBakri Abdullah Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Shayfull Zamree Abd Rahim Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Nur Bahijah Mustapa Universiti Malaysia Perlis
Noor Fifinatasha Shahedan Universiti Malaysia Perlis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58915/aset.v5i2.3552

Keywords:

Ceramic, Geopolymer, Geopolymer ceramics, Kaolin, Mechanical activation

Abstract

Mechanical activation has emerged as a promising alternative to enhance the reactivity of aluminosilicate materials for geopolymer ceramic production while reducing dependence on energy-intensive thermal activation. This study investigates the effect of mechanical activation on kaolin-based geopolymer ceramics, with particular emphasis on the influence of milling duration on physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties. Kaolin powder was mixed with an alkaline activator consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate at a mass ratio of (Na₂SiO₃/NaOH = 0.24), using a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1.0 to form geopolymer paste. The paste was cured at 80°C for 24 hours, followed by crushing into powder form. Mechanical activation was then carried out through ball milling at a constant rotational speed of 100 rpm using different milling durations of 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes. The activated powders were then formed and compacted under uniaxial pressing at 5 ton pressure and sintered at 1000°C to obtain geopolymer ceramic bodies. The results revealed that milling duration significantly influenced the properties of the geopolymer ceramics, with an optimum milling time of 45 minutes producing the highest flexural strength and density, as well as the lowest water absorption. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of a dense and homogeneous microstructure at this milling duration. These findings show that mechanical activation is an effective, low-energy approach to improving the performance of kaolin-based geopolymer ceramics.

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