%0 Journal Article %A H. Assaedi and F. U. A. Shaikh and I. M. Low %D 2015 %J International Journal of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 108, 2015 %T Utilization of Nanoclay to Reinforce Flax Fabric-Geopolymer Composites %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10003123 %V 108 %X Geopolymer composites reinforced with flax fabrics and nanoclay are fabricated and studied for physical and mechanical properties using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Nanoclay platelets at a weight of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% were added to geopolymer pastes. Nanoclay at 2.0 wt.% was found to improve density and decrease porosity while improving flexural strength and post-peak toughness. A microstructural analysis indicated that nanoclay behaves as filler and as an activator supporting geopolymeric reaction while producing a higher content geopolymer gel improving the microstructure of binders. The process enhances adhesion between the geopolymer matrix and flax fibres. %P 1405 - 1413