This paper details the properties, microstructures, and morphologies of the fly ash-based alkali-activated material (AAM), also known as geopolymers, under various steam curing temperatures. The steam curing temperature result in subsequent high strengths relative to average curing temperatures. However, detailed studies involving the use of steam curing for AAM remain scarce. The AAM paste was prepared by mixing fly ash with an alkali activator consisting of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The sample was steam cured at 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, and the fresh paste was tested for its setting time. The sample also prepared for compressive strength, density, and water absorption testings. It was observed that the fastest time for the fly ash geopolymer to start hardening was at 80°C at only 10 minutes due to the elevated temperature quickening the hydration of the paste. The compressive strength of the AAM increased with increasing curing time from 3 days to 28 days. The AAM’s highest compressive strength was 61 MPa when the sample was steam cured at 50°C for 28 days. The density of AAM was determined to be ~2122 2187 kg/m3, while its water absorption was ~6.72-8.82%. The phase analyses showed the presence of quartz, srebrodolskite, fayalite, and hematite, which indirectly confirms Fe and Ca’s role in the hydration of AAM. The morphology of AAM steam-cured at 50°C showed small amounts of unreacted fly ash and a denser matrix, which resulted in high compressive strength.

Malaysia’s construction industry is experiencing rapid growth, translating into increased demand for cement. However, cement production pollutes the air to the detriment of the climate via CO2 emission, making research into a cementitious replacement in concrete a necessity. This paper details an experimental study of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with partial replacement of cement by rice straw ash (RSA), which is expected to result in environmental preservation due to the green materials being used in cement production. The physicomechanical properties of the SCC with RSA replacement were determined via its compressive strength, water absorption, self-workability, and fire resistance (residual strength after exposure to high temperatures). The proportion of RSA replacement used were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, and all passed the slump flow test, except the 20% and 25% samples. The SCC samples with 15% of RSA replacement reported the highest compressive strength at 7 and 28 curing days and the highest residual strength post-exposure to high temperatures. The lowest percentage of water absorption was reported by the 15% of RSA replacement, with a density of 2370 kg/m3.