Synthesis properties and neutron attenuation of new geopolymers containing Si, O, Na and Al: role of Pb addition

Lead (II) oxide (PbO) has shown high prospect in modifying mechanical, physical, neutron and charge particle interaction properties of geopolymer due to high bonding matrix. In this study, the impact of PbO doping on the microstructure, mechanical strength, neutron and charge particles interaction properties of geopolymer composites was examined. The undoped and doped geopolymer powders were produced and sintered above 1100 degrees C for 1 h to obtain denser materials. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the material is rich in cristobalite (C), mullite (M), and lead silicate (P) phases. The EDS analysis of geopolymer gave Si, O, Na and Al with 40.87, 35.37, 6.06 and 17.68% wt respectively as major elements. The Vickers hardness (HV) values for GEO, GEO-10Pb and GEO-20Pb samples were obtained as 595, 647 and 682 HV respectively under 0.5 kg load. The showed that the introduction of 10% and 20% PbO significantly improved the charge particle attenuation, density and Vickers Hardness of the geopolymer while the total fast neutron removal cross-section decreases with increasing lead content.