Abstract
The preparation and characterization of composite materials based on geopolymers obtained from fly ash and epoxy resins are reported for the first time. These materials have been prepared through a synthetic method based on the concurrent reticulation of the organic and inorganic components that allows the formation of hydrogen bonding between the phases, ensuring a very high compatibility between them. These new composites show significantly improved mechanical properties if compared to neat geopolymers with the same composition and comparable performances in respect to analogous geopolymer-based composites obtained starting from more expensive raw material such as metakaolin. The positive combination of an easy synthetic approach with the use of industrial by-products has allowed producing novel low cost aluminosilicate binders that, thanks to their thixotropicity and good adhesion against materials commonly used in building constructions, could be used within the field of sustainable building.
Highlights
Geopolymers are a family of inorganic materials obtained by reaction between an aqueous alkaline silicate solution and an aluminosilicate source [1,2]
We report on the preparation of novel Fly ash (FA)-based geopolymer composites, In the present paper, we on the preparation of novel geopolymer composites, obtained by extending thereport synthetic method developed by usFA-based in the case of more expensive metakaolin-based geopolymers to raw waste materials
The diffraction pattern of the fly ash is characterized by a wide and diffused hump in the interval range 15 ̋ –35 ̋ 2θ with a maximum at 2θ –25 ̋. Minor crystalline phases such as quartz (JCPDS 01-070-2517), mullite (JCPDS 01-076-2579) and hematite (JCPDS 00-013-0534) may be identified. This amorphous halo is shifted towards slightly higher angular values in the G-FA sample, indicating the formation of an alkaline aluminosilicate hydrate gel (N-A-S-H) with a 3D amorphous structure [35]
Summary
Geopolymers are a family of inorganic materials obtained by reaction between an aqueous alkaline silicate solution and an aluminosilicate source [1,2]. Geopolymers are characterized by interesting mechanical properties, low shrinkage, thermal stability, freeze-thaw, chemical and fire resistance, long term durability and recyclability. For these reasons, they have the potential for utilization as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) replacement in a wide range of applications, such as fireproof barriers, materials for high temperatures, matrices for hazardous waste stabilization, toolings and moldings [3,4]. With respect to the manufacturing of OPC that consumes a significant amount of natural materials and energy release of a large quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere [5,6,7,8], the use of geopolymer-based materials in concrete applications could significantly reduce the CO2 emissions [9] thanks to the “low carbon” footprint of several raw materials with a high concentration
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