Raw Materials for Geopolymerisation

Abstract

Geopolymers are inorganic alumina-silicate materials with excellent physical and chemical properties. Despite being a rather recent research topic, many papers and books have been published focusing on various aspects of geopolymerisation: the history, properties, production, raw materials, applications and development of geopolymers. A brief overview of geopolymer technology is presented in the article, emphasising the great variety of raw materials that can be used for geopolymer production. Considering the variety of the origin of these materials, three categories are distinguished: primary raw materials which consist of natural minerals, secondary raw materials which are industrial wastes and by-products, and wastes and byproducts of natural origin. In spite of not being widely accepted by the industry yet, geopolymerisation has the potential to become a valuable waste-recycling technology in the future.

Circular Economy Enabler: Enhancing High-Performance Bricks through Geopolymerization of Plastic Waste

“…The idea of the circular economy is at the vanguard of this transformation towards sustainability that is taking place in the world's economic environment [1][2][3][4]. The circular economy offers an appealing alternative in the construction sector, which has historically used a linear model of resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.…”

Improving the Properties of Porous Geopolymers Based on TPP Ash and Slag Waste by Adjusting Their Chemical Composition

“…The empirical formula of a geopolymer can be represented as follows: M n {(SiO 2 ) z AlO 2 } n ,wH 2 O, where M is an alkali metal atom, z is the Si/Al ratio equal to 1, 2, or 3, and n is the degree of polymerization or polycondensation [ 27 ]. The numbers denoted by the letter “z” distinguish three types of geopolymer: poly(sialate), with a Si/Al ratio of 1:1, poly(sialate-siloxo) with a Si/Al ratio of 1:2, and poly(sialate-disiloxo), with a Si/Al ratio of 1:3 [ 28 ].…”

A Review on the Incorporation of Diatomaceous Earth as a Geopolymer-Based Concrete Building Resource

“…Materials with silica and alumina-carrying phases have proven to be ideal for geopolymer synthesis [ 19 ]. To reduce the consumption of and dependence on cement, pozzolanic materials have become a major research focus in the field of cement and materials research in recent decades [ 20 ].…”