How do I prepare 1M concentration of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate activator for geopolymer concrete when the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide is 2.5? I have both in solid form. Do I prepare sodium hydroxide solution in 1M and prepare sodium silicate solution 1M, 2.5 times of sodium hydroxide and mix them together? Please help.
Dear John Oluwatobi Oluwafemi thank you for asking this interesting technical question. I suggest that you check out the useful answers given to the following closely related question:
How I determine the molarity of the activator in the geopolymer concrete?
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_I_determine_the_molarity_of_the_activator_in_the_geopolymer_concrete
I hope this helps. 😊
Hi John Oluwatobi Oluwafemi,
The first part of your statement is correct. You can prepare a 1 M solution of Sodium Silicate and Sodium Hydroxide solutions separately. But please bear in mind that "2.5" is the molar ratio! make sure you do calculations based on the number of moles when you want to mix them. If you need an alkali solution (including both sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide) with the desired molar ratio (such as 2.5 as you mentioned), then there is no need to mention the molarity of the solution, unless you want to mix and prepare them separately.
Regards,
Yes, your process of understanding is correct. However, it depends whether the ratio is 2.5 by mass, or is it a molar ratio, or is it volumetric. Because this will have some effect on geopolymerization and properties.
Regards
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