Date of Award

Spring 5-25-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemical Engineering

First Advisor

Joan Lynam

Abstract

The development of each nation is dependent on its infrastructure, and nations are competing with others in infrastructure, especially in the construction of roadways, since they play a vital role in the economic and social development of the nation. The conventional materials used for road construction are cement and asphalt, which pose significant environmental challenges. This thesis explores the potential of fly ash (FA) and corn stover (CS) in synthesizing geopolymer, as an alternative material for the construction of roads. The study examines the impact of FA and CS percentages and the particle sizes of CS on the compressive strength, porosity, and permeability of the geopolymer. The results indicate that incorporating CS in the FA may decrease the compressive strength of the geopolymer. Smaller CS particle sizes lead to lower compressive strength. However, porosity of the geopolymer increased with the incorporation of the CS. As with the compressive strength, an increase in particle size decreased porosity. Achieving the targeted permeability remains a challenge due to the particle size and the quality of the compactness of the materials used.

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