new generation high-tech material for construction
geopolymer cement
geocement — new environment-friendly cement, based on geopolymer technology
Geopolymers are inorganic materials with a polymer structure of molecules. They possess high strength and a range of specific properties.
They are called "geopolymers" because the raw materials used for their production are mainly minerals of geological origin.
History
French chemist Joseph Davidovits coined the term "geopolymer" in 1978. Engineers of Renca company suggested the term "geobeton" as a particular case for construction materials based on geopolymer binders.
Examples of geopolymer cement used in construction can be found in Australia, Ireland, the United States, Japan, Ukraine, Finland, Russia and China, to name a few. For instance, in 2014, an entire airport in Brisbane, Australia, was constructed with a concrete based on geopolymer binders. In the United States, special high strength geopolymer concretes have been used for airfield and road repairs. Metropolitan tubings and elements of load-bearing structures are also produced.
In Soviet Union, the development of similar materials started in the 1950s. The research was conducted by the Kyiv Institution of Civil Engineering, guided by Glukhovskiy V.D. Various objects were built, including civil and industrial construction. Examples include a residential house in Lipetsk, part of the railroad concrete ties in Moscow, a motorway in Magnitogorsk, and surfacing of the tank training battlefield near Chelyabinsk, to name a few.
Technology
The technology of geopolymer concrete is based on the idea of applying inorganic mineral substances, the production of which does not require the additional use of natural resources, and does not lead to CO2 emissions into the atmosphere (byproducts of metallurgical, electrometallurgical industries and power plants).
Geopolymer concrete is chemically inert to a range of aggressive substances and remains sturdy in severe climates. In comparison to traditional concrete production technology based on Portland cement, geopolymer concrete has been shown to possess superior results in strength, durability, freeze-thaw resistance, fire resistance, heat insulation, corrosion, and aggressive substance resistance including some types of acids.
Besides, the use of geopolymer cement reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to Portland cement production. Geopolymer cement can be formulated to reuse and recycle industrial byproducts.
01
Chemical Resistance
Geopolymer concrete has high resistance to various acids and aggressive substances, as well as high sulfur resistance due to the absence of сalcium compounds in its structure
03
Thermal Resistance
Geopolymer concrete is resistant both to high temperatures over 1000 °C (1832 °F) and to low temperatures due to a high level of freeze-thaw resistance.
05
Thermal Insulation Properties
Materials and plasters using high-quality aggregates and geopolymer cement have superior thermal insulation.
Main Properties
Géobèton exceeds the properties of natural stone
02
Superior Waterproof Properties
Excellent waterproof properties are achieved thanks to its inherent mesoporous structure. Big molecules like water can't enter in the geopolymer matrix even if they are pushed using external forces
04
Fire Resistance
Unlike ordinary Portland cement-based concretes, water in geopolymer concretes easily evaporates (not bound on a molecular level) and does not explode the concrete from inside.
06
Fast Strength Development
Geopolymer concrete develops about 50% of its strength in the first three days. This feature increases the construction speed.
Sustainability
Geopolymer cement production reduces CO2 emissions by 90% in comparison to OPC production.
Utilisation of by-products
Utilizes waste and byproducts of existing industries.
High efficiency
Higher-level compressive strength and axial tension strength, freeze-thaw resistance, water impermeability, and resistance to abrasion in comparison to OPC.
Cost effectiveness
The speed of the project implementation increases due to fast strength development. No additives or modifiers are needed.
Geopolymer concrete's nanostructure and a high level of mesoporosity allow air to pass through the material, giving it the following properties.
Technical Specifications
Insulation
High Level of Freeze-thaw resistance
Thixotropy
Adjustable Setting Time
Resistance to Corrosion
Resistance to Thermal Shock
Fire Resistance
Flowability
Constantly High Strength
Resistance to alkalis, salts, and acids