Journal article
Enhancing low-quality fly ash geopolymer paste with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber under steam curing: Toward improved mechanical performance and future applications of fibrous paste
Next materials, Vol.11, 101923
2026
Abstract
The variability and low reactivity of low-quality fly ash (LQFA) limit its performance as a precursor in geopolymer binders. These limitations result in slow strength development, limiting its suitability for precast applications requiring sufficient handling strength and crack resistance. This study investigates the effectiveness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber combined with steam curing in improving the fresh and hardened properties of LQFA-based geopolymer paste. Two fly ashes with distinct chemical and physical characteristics were characterized, followed by testing of fibrous paste using LQFA incorporating 0, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% PVA by volume. The results indicate that the fly ash with higher Calcium Oxide (CaO) content and finer particle size exhibited shorter setting time, better workability, and superior compressive strength. Although the incorporation of PVA fibers slightly reduced workability, it significantly enhanced mechanical performance. The mixture with 0.6% PVA achieved the highest compressive strength of 306.3 kg/cm² at 28 days. Flexural testing revealed improved post-cracking behavior and increased toughness due to effective crack-bridging, while excessive fiber content promoted agglomeration, reducing peak flexural load. Direct tensile tests showed an increase in tensile strength up to 2.2 MPa at 0.9% PVA. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) results demonstrated reduced pulse velocity at higher fiber contents, indicating increased internal heterogeneity caused by fiber clustering. Overall, the findings demonstrate that properly dispersed PVA fibers can effectively compensate for the brittleness and low reactivity of LQFA, enhancing its potential use in sustainable geopolymer-based non-structural precast elements, particularly thin-walled drainage components such as U-ditch segments.
Details
- Title
- Enhancing low-quality fly ash geopolymer paste with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber under steam curing: Toward improved mechanical performance and future applications of fibrous paste
- Authors/Creators
- Iqlima Nuril Amini - Universitas Negeri SurabayaMeity Wulandari - Universitas Negeri SurabayaBambang Sabariman - Universitas Negeri SurabayaYogie Risdianto - Universitas Negeri SurabayaIrwanda Laory - University of WarwickAndri Kusbiantoro - Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Hab Pendidikan Tinggi Pagoh, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, Panchor 84600, MalaysiaPuput Risdanareni - State University of MalangMartin Anda - Murdoch UniversityCandra Irawan - Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil, Planning and Geo Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS Sukolilo, Surabaya 60111, IndonesiaSubaer - Material Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Kampus UNM Parangtambung, Jl, Daeng Tata, Makassar, South Sulawesi 90223, IndonesiaVerona Amelia - Department of Environment, PT Petrokimia Gresik, Jl. Jend Ahmad Yani, Gresik 61119, IndonesiaJanuarti Jaya Ekaputri - Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil, Planning and Geo Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS Sukolilo, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia
- Publication Details
- Next materials, Vol.11, 101923
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991005875744807891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Authors
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Water, Energy and Waste; Indo-Pacific Research Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs in the Output
Metrics
1 Record Views