Comparación del desempeño entre morteros de geopolímeros, cemento Portland y cemento híbrido: Resistencia a la carbonatación y a la inmersión en soluciones acidadas

Abstract

This study compares the performance of mortars made with geopolymers, Portland cement, and a hybrid mix under accelerated carbonation and acidic immersion. The objective is to propose more sustainable and durable construction alternatives considering the environmental impact of Portland cement. Standardized methods were used, including compressive strength tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize mortar properties. Samples of the three mortar types were prepared with specific binder ratios and subjected to tailored curing processes. Tests included compressive strength evaluation at 7 and 28 days, exposure to 3% CO₂ for 14 days, and immersion in 4% hydrochloric acid for 23 days. Results indicated that ordinary mortar showed higher initial compressive strength and better resistance to carbonation, while geopolymer mortar excelled in acid immersion, with material losses below 2%. However, the latter exhibited reduced mechanical strength after prolonged acid exposure. It is concluded that geopolymer mortars are viable alternatives for corrosive environments but require optimization to ensure mechanical properties comparable to Portland cement. This research supports the development of more sustainable materials aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: Geopolymers, Carbonation, Acid immersion, Sustainable materials.