Mechanical properties of materials obtained via alkaline activation of illite-based clays of Latvia

Materials has been synthesized in the temperature range from 60-100 °C from two illite based clays of Latvia under activation of KOH and NaOH solutions (4-6 M). Compressive strength and apparent porosity were measured. The effect of concentration of KOH and NaOH solutions on the material mechanical properties was investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy (IR). Compressive strength data of the materials showed that via such activation could obtain building materials with good quality.