Directed synthesis of alkaline aluminosilicate minerals in a geocement matrix

Abstract

Geocements were created in accordance with a hypothesis put forward by Prof. V. Glukhovsky that the structure formation processes in the alkaline aluminosilicate binders corresponded to geological transformations of aluminosilicate minerals taking place in nature. At low temperatures, a type of hydration products depends on curing conditions and mix composition. An autoclave curing allows for an intensive synthesis of a well-crystallized zeolite structure, whereas other types of curing result in the formation of an amorphous structure with crystalline inclusions represented mainly by hydroxysodalite. On the contrary to this, after curing at high temperatures, a formation of nepheline, albite or α-cristobalite depends exclusively on the firing temperature and initial geocement composition.