Abstract
Geopolymers are sustainable structural materials with properties similar to ordinary Portland cement concrete. To better understand the fundamental reaction mechanisms of geopolymers, a microwave materials characterization approach is used. In this research work, the dielectric properties (permittivity and loss factor) of common precursor powders used to make geopolymers (GPPs)—fly ash, lime, metakaolin, silica fume, slag, and zeolite—are measured over the S- and X-band frequency ranges (i.e., 2.0–4.0 GHz and 8.2–12.4 GHz, respectively). The physical characteristics, elemental composition, mineralogical properties, and phase characterization of the GPPs are then correlated to dielectric properties. Permittivity of GPP, classified as pozzolanic or latent hydraulic, is correlated with R3 calorimetry heat release. Loss factor is correlated with silica dioxide, calcium oxide, and crystalline SiO2 contents. Powders with less elemental composition diversity tend to exhibit lower permittivity values. Overall, the results reveal novel connections between the dielectric properties and chemical and physical parameters of the GPPs, which may be inputs to advanced characterization studies assessing geopolymer reactivity.
Recommended Citation
L. T. Duong et al., "Microwave Dielectric Properties of Geopolymer Precursor Powders," Materials and Structures Materiaux Et Constructions, vol. 59, no. 2, article no. 112, Springer, Mar 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-026-03005-8
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Dielectric properties; Filled waveguide technique; Geopolymer; Microwave materials characterization; Supplementary cementitious material
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1871-6873; 1359-5997
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2026
Comments
National Science Foundation, Grant 1663646