Optimization of Design Parameters Using the Taguchi Method in the Mix-Design of Geopolymers

Numerous variables affect the production of Geopolymer, a new-generation material. Therefore, Geopolymer with desirable qualities must be produced with substantial effort and resources. Hence, Taguchi's L9 arrays are adopted in the current study to optimize the selected design parameters in achieving the greatest strength with the least number of trials and time. The study examined four contributing elements at three distinct levels: the molarity of sodium hydroxide, the quantity of ground granulated blast furnace slag, the alkaline solution to binder ratio, and the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide solution. Trials 3, 6, and 9 had the greatest strengths of 65.71 MPa, 62.11 MPa, and 60.7 MPa, respectively, with a standard component of 75% slag content. The data were further analyzed using the response indices approach. The percentage of slag was the primary strength-determining criterion, followed by the molarity of sodium hydroxide, alkaline to binder ratio, and, ultimately, the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide solution. The current work not only aids in developing a geopolymer mix design that maximizes strength but also assists in understanding the influence of design factors on strength.