What is a geopolymer?

Introduction

in Science

The remarkable achievements made through geosynthesis and geopolymerisation include

mineral polymers (geopolymers), flexible ceramics which transform like plastics at low
temperatures, ceramic composite made at room temperature or thermoset in a simple
autoclave, concrete which after 4 hours has higher strength and durability than the best
currently-used concrete. Resulting from this are industrial applications which, [...]

About geopolymerization

in Science

Geopolymerization is a geosynthesis (a reaction that chemically integrates minerals) that

involves naturally occurring silico-aluminates. The silicon(Si) and aluminum (Al) atoms
react to form molecules that are chemically and structurally comparable to those binding
natural rock that allows for products to exhibit the most ideal properties of rock-forming
elements, i.e., hardness, chemical stability and longevity [...]

Scientific means of investigation

in Science

X-rays diffraction spectra of hardened geopolymeric materials (resins and cements) do

not provide accurate information (amorphous structure). High-resolution MAS-NMR
(Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy of 29Si and 27Al is a very powerful tool
that provides useful structural data.

For more information, download paper #12 J. Thermal Analysis , #3 NASTS award or #8
Alkaline Cements and Concretes [...]

Chemical Structure and Applications

in Science

The atomic ratio Si:Al in the poly(sialate) structure determines the properties and
application fields. A low ratio Si:Al (1,2,3) initiates a 3D-Network that is very rigid. A
high ratio Si:Al, higher than 15, provides polymeric character to the geopolymeric
material.

Technical Data Sheet

in Science
Technical Data Sheet for Geopolymeric cement type (Potassium, Calcium) – Poly(sialate-
siloxo) / (K,Ca) – (Si-O-Al-O-Si-O-), Si:Al=2:1

Further details in: Proceedings of Geoplymer 2005 , GEOCISTEM , GLOBAL

WARMING , #3 NASTS award

Tested on standard sand mortar prisms

setting: 10 hours at -20°C to 7-60 minutes at +20°C.

shrinkage during setting: 90 MPa at 28 days (for [...]

Cements, Concretes, Toxic Wastes, Global Warming

in Science

Geopolymeric cements are ideal for environmental applications, such as the permanent
encapsulation of radioactive and other hazardous wastes, toxic metals, as well as sealants,
capping, barriers, and other structures necessary for remedying toxic waste containment
sites (see our Research Project GEOCISTEM and the GEOPOLYTECH® process). In the
Library, three papers are dealing with this topic, [...]

Portland Cement Chemistry vs. Geopolymer Chemistry

in Science

Left: hardening of Portland cement (P.C.) through simple hydration of Calcium Silicate
into Calcium Di-Silicate hydrate and lime Ca(OH)2.

Right: hardening (setting) of Geopolymer resin (GP) through poly-condensation of

Potassium Oligo-(sialate-siloxo) into Potassium Poly(sialate-siloxo) cross linked
network.

Binders and Composites

in Science

Geopolymeric binders, used either with rock aggregates to produce rock-concretes or

with carbon fibers to produce non-flammable composites, have a variety of important
industrial uses.

The same geosynthesis that produces geopolymeric rock-cements is used industrially for
making binders for advanced composite materials. Updated research are discussed in the
various papers presented at the Geopolymer 2005 Congress [...]

Making heat-resistant Geopolymer Composite

in Science

Procedure used in the fabrication of a ladle for aluminum casting (800°C)

Step 1: Impregnation of fabric

(ceramic fiber) with GEOPOLYMITE resin

Step 2: first ply

Step 3: first lay

Step 4: impregnation of last ply

Step 5: Demolding after cure at 80°C

Step 6: Operating ladle at 800°C