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Comparative impact of different fiber types on the mechanical and electromagnetic shielding performance of borax-enhanced rhyolitic tuff geopolymers

delete2026-07-06
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Mahfuz Pekgöz *
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İlker Tekin
DOI:10.1080/15376494.2026.2697495delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In the twenty-first century, the global environment has been impacted by EM pollution due to increased communication and automation. To enhance quality of life and ensure a secure future, buildings must be EM-shielded. This study focused on synthesizing rhyolitic tuff (RT)-based geopolymers (GPs), incorporating micronized calcite (MC) and borax decahydrate, in conjunction with a 2% ratio (by vol.) of three fiber types, such as polypropylene, micro steel, and carbon. Experimental evaluation was conducted, encompassing assessments of water absorption, length changes, compressive and flexural strength tests, microstructure analysis, and EM shielding effectiveness across the 900–6000 MHz frequency band. The borax-modified and mSF-reinforced GP tiles exhibited maximum EM shielding effectiveness values of approximately 61 dB at 5000 MHz (Wi-Fi band). Borax incorporation significantly enhanced the workability of GPs while reducing porosity, leading to the formation of a denser and more homogeneous microstructure. The incorporation of 2.5 vol.% borax enhanced workability by up to 10%, reduced shrinkage by at most 96% and increased early-age and ultimate compressive strength by 6–21% and 13–39%, respectively. The formation of N(C)–A–S–H gel structures and enhanced fiber–matrix interaction due to borax addition were key to the improvements in mechanical behavior.
Keywords:
Rhyolitic tuff
borax decahydrate
fibers
microstructure
electromagnetic shielding

Journal

Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures cover
Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures
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0
Papers:
4.7K
Citations:
1.4W

Organization

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Karabük University
Scholars:
208
Papers: 118
Citations: 1.3K
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