Optimizing Alkaline Activation of Natural Volcanic Pozzolan for Eco-Friendly Materials Production: An Investigation of NaOH Molarity and Na2SiO3-to-NaOH Ratio

The production of Portland cement is energy-intensive and polluting. As a result, the search for ecological economical alternatives has become global priority. Geopolymers are among most promising to cement. Their properties depend on nature concentration activators. This study investigates effect Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio NaOH molarity alkaline activation natural volcanic pozzolan. physico-mechanical microstructural investigated geopolymer were evaluated using compressive strength, density, porosity, water absorption, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy. results indicate that optimal parameters 8 mol/L 1.2. These enhance dissolution pozzolan formation N-A-S-H gel, resulting in dense, less porous matrix with good resistance.