Study of the Interaction Between Nanoclay and Fly Ash and Its Impact on the Enhancement of the Rheological Properties of Geopolymer Binders

Naturally occurring nanoclays, such as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are relatively cheap and abundant materials with interesting applications in the construction industry. Recently, an electrostatic interaction was discovered between halloysite and fly ash particles, which has the potential to beneficially alter the properties of some hardened products of fly ash, such as geopolymer binders. Additionally, layer-by-layer deposition can be used to enhance even further the benefits of the fly ash-nanoclay interaction. This paper describes the nature of the interaction of the nanoclay particles with fly ash and the results of mechanical and rheological testing conducted on geopolymer produced from such nanocomposites, and the implications of this discovery for construction materials.