Adhesion characteristics of geopolymer mortar to concrete and rebars

In recent years, geopolymers have gained a wide attention as highly ecological-friendly building materials, having a capability to cut down 70% of CO 2 emissions in comparison to the ordinary cement concrete. In this study, geopolymer mortars are proposed as repair materials for reinforced concrete structures, due to their superior acid resistance, heat resistance and high strength in comparison to the existing repair materials. The objective of this study is to investigate the adhesion properties of geopolymer mortars to concrete substrates with different surface treatments, steel plates and rebars. As a result, the geopolymer mortars are found to have excellent adhesion properties to dry concrete substrates, steel plates and rebars. Concrete substrates treated with grinder, further enhanced the adhesion properties of geopolymer mortars. On the other hand, poor adhesion of geopolymer mortars to wet concrete substrates was observed due to the presence of water on the interfacial zone, which decreased the alkali concentration of the geopolymer, resulting in lower adhesion strength. In general, geopolymer mortars are found to have suitable adhesion properties to the concrete substrates, steel plates and rebars and can be applied as repair materials for reinforced concrete structures.