Sticks Better, Too
Not Only Does the Material Not Burn, But It Adheres Better than Epoxy to Concrete.
Experiments by researchers at Rutgers University indicate that a new European composite material dubbed Geopolymer not only does not burn, but adheres better to concrete more effectively and reliably than organic materials, paving the way for use in strengthening both new concrete structures and enhancing old ones.
Fabrics Fail First
“Geopolymer provides excellent adhesion both to concrete surface and in the interlaminar planes of fabrics;’ states Prof. Bala Balaguru of Rutgers University. Geopolymer composites were affixed to concrete beams, and “all three beams failed by tearing of fabrics;’ Balaguru reports. “This is significant because … the most common failure pattern reported in the literature is the failure by delamination of fabrics at the interface of concrete and fabrics;’ says the report. “Hence it can be stated that Geopolymer provides as good or better adhesion in comparison with organic polymers”.
At least part of the Rutgers research is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, which is interested in Geopolymer for aircraft interiors. “Tests conducted on Geopolymer carbon-composites showed that they will not burn at all, no matter how many times ignition might be attempted;’ developers say.
Other results
Beam prior to start of testing Geopolymer-Carbon unidirectional fabric (2,3,5 layers) at the bottom surface of the beam
Summary of test Results
| Beam design | Load at 1 in. deflection |
Load increase % |
Load at failure |
deflection at failure, in. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 13500 lbs | 0% | 16000 lbs | 3.5 |
| 2 Layers | 18100 lbs | +34% | 18100 lbs | 0.76 |
| 3 Layers | 20500 lbs | +52% | 20500 lbs | 0.90 |
| 5 Layers | 24500 lbs | +83% | 24100 lbs | 0.92 |
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