Geopolymerisation of a silica-rich tailing

A silica-rich tailing from vanadium extraction has been used for geopolymer synthesis in combination with metakaolin (MK) as an additional-Al source. Results show that alkaline roasting pretreatment effectively enhance geopolymerisation ability of the tailing in terms of XRD analysis and leaching tests. Strengths of samples can be improved by adding proper quantities of MK, or appropriately raising curing temperature. Curing temperature also affects the Si/Al ratio since higher curing temperature is more favorable for releasing Al. The highest compressive strength of 55.7 MPa can be obtained.