ISBN: 9782951482036

Buy your copy of the Video Tutorial at The Geopolymer Shop

With your order, you will receive two items: the new edition of the book Geopolymer Chemistry and Applications and a USB memory stick with 5.5 hours of video tutorials (the Geopolymer for Newcomers series) and up to 10 hours of video bonuses for a total of 15 hours of videos.

Watch this short presentation, it includes small excerpts, and a view of the Geopolymer Institute laboratory.

What is the content of this video tutorial ?

This video tutorial is divided in 9 topics. Its purpose is to give you an introduction, an insight on geopolymer science in general. It is aimed at university professors, doctorates, master students as well as self-learning researchers in the industry. Although you get each concepts fully developed in the book Geopolymer Chemistry and Applications, you may need to look at additional scientific knowledge in reference textbooks on materials science, chemistry and physic. This tutorial is therefore a good supplement for your understanding of all these concepts, and for teachers it is a good help in the learning process of geopolymer chemistry.
As a bonus, you will find “Building the pyramids of Egypt”, Joseph DAVIDOVITS a 1h30 conference on his famous theory on how the Egyptians pyramids were built with re-agglomerated limestone.

What are these files ?

The videos are readable in any computer that can play MPEG4 H.264 AVC files. Most recent  computers, tablets, phones, and some televisions can play them flawlessly. You can use for example the free players Apple QuickTime or VLC or Mplayer or many other video players. They are high definition videos, so your computer should be powerful enough to open them. Download this small excerpt to check the compatibility with your computer; it is the exact size and format of what you will receive. Please, do this test before ordering.

sample-geopolymer-video-tutorial.mp4 – 7.95 MB – 47s – 1024x640p – MPEG4 H.264 AVC

Outline of the tutorials

Topic #1: from invention to industrialization; 1972-2008: 36 years of research, development and applications
The course shows how the development of the geopolymer science concept was governed by the need to solve global technological problems in the industrial fields of extractive minerals, ceramics, cements, building materials, decorative stones and restoration works, fire and heat resistant composites, high-tech composites for aerospace, aircraft, naval and automobile, radioactive and toxic waste containment, thermal insulation.
It further provides a clear distinction between geopolymer and alkali-activated materials and highlights some historical milestones.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to make a clear cut between geopolymer technologies and low-tech/alkali-activated systems.

Topic #2: The mineral geopolymer concept
The course discusses the differences between the ionic and covalent bonding concepts. It introduces the molecular representation for geopolymeric structures based on the most recent results of physicochemical science.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to describe the fundamental principles and concepts of geopolymer science and technology.

Topic #3: Macromolecular structure of natural silicates and aluminosilicates
This course describes the numerous natural minerals and pinpoints their similarities to geopolymeric molecules (monomers, dimers, trimers, etc..) and macromolecules (polymers). It involves:
– Ortho-silicates, ring silicates,
– Linear poly-silicates: pyroxene, amphibole
– Sheet poly-silicates: kaolinite, pyrophillite, muscovite
– Framework poly-silicates: quartz, feldspars, feldspathoids, zeolites
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to explain the properties of the minerals used as raw-materials in geopolymer manufacturing.

Topic #4: Scientific tools, X-rays, FTIR, NMR
This course selects which analytical method is the most appropriate for the study of geopolymers, namely Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Topic #5: Macromolecular structure of Soluble Silicate, Poly(siloxonate) with Si:Al=1:0
This course revisits an old industry namely that of waterglass, a basic geopolymeric chemical ingredient. It involves:
– History of soluble silicates (waterglass), manufacture,
– Macromolecular structure of (Na,K)–silicate glasses,
– Hydrolysis, depolymerization of solid silicates
– Structure of poly(siloxonate) solutions (waterglass)
– NMR spectroscopy, macromolecular structure, identification of soluble species
– Density, Viscosity, pH, alkali silicate powders
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to understand the differences between Na-silicates and K-silicates and how to apply this new knowledge in the design of high-quality geopolymeric products.

Topic #6: Macromolecular chemistry of Metakaolin MK-750 and related geopolymers with Si:Al=1-3
This course follows the various structural changes of the mineral kaolinite into metakaolin and their implications in the geopolymerization mechanisms. It describes:
– Dehydroxylation mechanism of kaolinite
– Chemical mechanism, ortho-sialate molecules
– Kinetic, Chemical attack, Exothermic reaction
– Formation of Na-based geopolymeric frameworks: nepheline, albite, phillipsite
– Formation of K-based geopolymeric frameworks: kalsilite, leucite
Upon completion of this course you will be able to :
– Outline the identification and the study of metakaolin raw materials for geopolymeric precursors with selected instrumental methods.
– Identify the reaction mechanism from monomers, oligomers to polymers, kinetics and geopolymerization parameters.

Topic #7: Low-energy, Low-CO₂ geopolymer cements
This course provides a thorough presentation and discussion on the basic knowledge about geopolymer cements and related building products based on the by-products of industrial and mining activities or Coal-Power-Plants: fly ashes. It comprises:
– MK-750 / slag-based geopolymer cement
– Rock-based geopolymer cement
– Fly ash-based geopolymer cement
– Greenhouse CO₂ mitigation with geopolymer cement: Examples of low CO₂ mitigation with geopolymer cements
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to describe the fundamental principles and concepts allowing the use of geological outcrops as well as mineral by-products and tailings, fly ashes, in low-energy and low-CO₂ geopolymer cements manufacture.

Topic #8: Low-energy, Low-CO₂ geopolymer ceramics
This course offers a comprehensive review of the impact of Geopolymer technology on the manufacture of Low-energy ceramics and bricks. It involves:
– Geopolymerization mechanism of kaolinite under co-valent bonding concept
– Geopolymeric setting at temperature below 65°C, 80°C and 450°C
– Resistance to water; physical properties
– Application to archaeological ceramics: 25.000 year-old geopolymer ceramic: Venus of Dolni Vestonice
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to apply the geopolymeric ceramic concept to implement modern Low-energy ceramic processing for the production of regular ceramic tiles (glazed) or fired bricks.

Topic #9: User-Friendly Systems
Although geopolymerization does not rely on toxic organic solvents but only on water, it needs chemical ingredients that may be dangerous. Some of them may be classified as user-hostile systems and therefore require some safety procedures.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to understand the absolute necessity of implementing user-friendly geopolymeric systems.

Bonus

Geopolymer Webinar
This is a recording of a 5 hours presentation of Joseph Davidovits in October 2013 on geopolymers in general, focusing in industrial applications and science. It is a good introduction on how to approach this topic the right way.

GeopolymerCamp Keynotes
Joseph Davidovits presents each year during this conference a state of the R&D and industrialization of geopolymers at large.

Building the pyramids of Egypt
Joseph DAVIDOVITS presents his famous theory on how the Egyptians pyramids were built with re-agglomerated limestone.

LTGS brick conference
Joseph DAVIDOVITS presents the manufacture of bricks with low energy at the Ceramics and Brotherhood Symposium, Verona, Italy, in July 2008.

Davya 60 cement tutorial and Datobe ceramic tutorial
Two short “how-to” on how to manipulate a geopolymer cement and a geopolymer ceramic, with tips and tricks the way a lab technician of the Geopolymer Institute is doing it.

Buy your copy of the Video Tutorial at The Geopolymer Shop

INCLUDED WITH YOUR ORDER: Proceedings of the Geopolymer 2005 World Congress
(Geopolymer, green chemistry and sustainable development solutions)

The USB memory stick contains the proceedings of the World Congress Geopolymer 2005, held in France and in Australia, on geopolymer science, technology and applications. More than 180 people attended the congress, 85 international research institutions and companies presented a total of 75 papers. They cover a wide scope of topics ranging from geopolymer chemistry, industrial waste and raw material, geopolymer cement, geopolymer concrete (including fly ash-based geopolymers), applications in constructions materials, applications in high-tech materials, matrix for fire/heat resistant composites, and applications in archaeology.

The Proceedings book (Geopolymer, green chemistry and sustainable development solutions) is out of print. The USB memory stick contains all contributions received (additional extended abstracts, and some pictures of the event are included). All papers found in this USB memory stick are in colors, and are the exact copies of the printed book, so you can use them as a reference. It is also compatible with PC, Mac and Unix systems, all files are in standard PDF format. You can print, copy these papers, and use the search engine to find a particular word.

GET 3 PROCEEDINGS IN 1 SINGLE ORDER
A unique collection of scientific articles
133 papers – 1190 pages
ISBN: 9782951482005

As a FREE BONUS, the USB memory stick includes the proceedings of Geopolymer ’88, and Geopolymer ’99. We do this because these proceedings are out of print. They are the exact copies of their printed versions, so you can still use them as a reference and seek for the right paper at the right page.

Read the Table of Content to know more.

Course director

All the courses will be directed by Professor Joseph Davidovits, the inventor and founder of Geopolymer.

Who should attend?

The courses are for professionals with a solid chemical background (engineer degrees, master degrees) or with equivalent long-term practice.
Some courses (Geopolymer for Newcomers, Geopolymer for Investors, …) are designed for professionals involved for a wide range of development in all applications including managers, finance specialists, R&D, marketing, business decision makers, technology and product development, …

Language is English ( langue française sur demande pour 2 participants ou plus ). Each course is designed for a maximum of 10 participants in order to encourage fruitful discussions between Prof. Joseph Davidovits and the students.

Courses Schedule for 2008-2009

We are providing below the list of the courses for the year 2008 (April-December) and 2009 (January-March).

Geopolymer Course # 1: Geopolymer for Newcomers (3 days)
April 01-03, May 13-15, August 05-08, September 02-04 (in French), October 22-24 (in French), December 09-11, February 10-12, March 10-12

Geopolymer Course # 2: Metakaolin based Geopolymer Ceramics (3 days)
April 08-10, October 21-24, Other dates on demand

Geopolymer Course # 3-4: Low-energy / Low-CO₂ Cement : Slag/rock/fly ash-based Geopolymer (4 days)
April 15-17, other dates on demand,

Geopolymer Course # 5: Quality Controls, Physical and Chemical Properties (3 days)
April 28-30, Other dates on demand

Geopolymer Course # 6: Low-Energy Geopolymer Technology applied to Ceramic Industry (3 days)
May 20-22, September 09-11,

Geopolymer Course # 7: Castable Geopolymer Compounds (molds, prototypes, artifacts) (2 days)
May 27-28, Other dates on demand

Geopolymer Course # 8: Fire Resistant Geopolymer Matrix Composites (2 days)
May 29-30, Other dates on demand 

Geopolymer Course # 9: Geopolymers in Toxic and Radioactive Waste Management (3 days)
June 03-05, September 23-25, Other dates on demand

Geopolymer Course # 10: Geopolymer for Investors (2 days)
May 06-07, Other dates on demand

All courses are organized in learning / teaching sessions that allow to attend several courses in a row. So, you can attend a series of course that belong to the same topics.

Click here for the entire Courses Program

Sessions for 2008-2009

Sessions A to C

Sessions D to F

Sessions G to I

Tuition per one participant:

It includes luncheons, breaks, book and course notes;
4-day course: 1950 Euros; group rate 1800 Euros (+ tax if any)
3-day course: 1650 Euros; group rate 1500 Euros (+ tax if any)
2-day course: 1150 Euros; group rate 1050 Euros (+ tax if any)

Course location

The courses are held at the Geopolymer Institute. Please read the following pages to prepare your stay: Access Map and Prepare your stay

Client Site. You can ask for a short course at your site and at your convenience. 2 persons from the Geopolymer Institute will come (likely Prof. J. Davidovits with another person). You will have to pay for travel expenses, lodging and the tuition for a min. of 4 enrollments. For further information, please contact us.

Text

Each participant will receive for the course the most updated version of the book GEOPOLYMER Chemistry and Applications by J. Davidovits, and additional Technical Papers.

Please, go to the next page for the registration form.

Registration form

Before filling in the registration form, find the date and the course’s title you want to attend, and note its reference on the sessions’ table above. It corresponds to the session and the topic of the course. So, if we change the date (e.g. from one or two days to group several courses in a row), we will not change the reference of the course.
Then, print it, fill it in, and fax or mail it. All information about the payments and general information can be found there.

We are open to any arrangements for groups, especially from overseas, who would like to participate to two or more courses in a row, for example Wednesday-Friday and Monday-Wednesday, with a free weekend time in Paris. Because we accept few participants, we are very flexible. Do not hesitate to contact us.

How to register ?

Download the registration form in PDF format.

First, download the registration form in PDF format to read all information about your tuition and methods of payment. Then, you can either fill in this form, or do it online with the form below.

A Practical and Scientific Approach to Sustainable Development
5th Edition

ISBN: 9782954453118

Buy your copy of the book at The Geopolymer Shop

What can be done about the major concerns of our Global Economy on energy, global warming, sustainable development, user-friendly processes, and green chemistry? Here is an important contribution to the mastering of these phenomena today. Written by Joseph Davidovits, the inventor and founder of geopolymer science, Geopolymer Chemistry and Applications is an introduction to the subject for the newcomers, students, engineers and professionals. You will find science, chemistry, formulas and very practical information (including patents’ excerpts) covering:

• The mineral polymer concept: silicones and geopolymers
• Macromolecular structure of natural silicates and aluminosilicates
• Scientific Tools, X-rays, FTIR, NMR
• The synthesis of mineral geopolymers
  • Poly(siloxonate) and polysilicate, soluble silicate, Si:Al=1:0
  • Chemistry of (Na,K)–oligo-sialates: hydrous alumino-silicate gels and zeolites
  • Kaolinite / Hydrosodalite-based geopolymer, poly(sialate) Si:Al=1:1
  • Metakaolin MK-750-based geopolymer, poly(sialate- siloxo) Si:Al=2:1
  • Calcium-based geopolymer, (Ca, K, Na)-sialate, Si:Al=1, 2, 3
  • Rock-based geopolymer, poly(sialate-multisiloxo) 1>5
  • Ferro-sialate geopolymers
  • Silica-based geopolymer, sialate link and siloxo link in poly(siloxonate) Si:Al>5
  • Fly ash-based geopolymer
  • Phosphate-based geopolymer
  • Organic-mineral geopolymer
• Properties: physical, chemical and long-term durability
• Applications:
  • Quality controls
  • Development of user-friendly systems
  • How to quantify and develop geopolymer formulas
  • Castable geopolymer, industrial and decorative applications
  • Geopolymer – fiber composites
  • Foamed geopolymer
  • Geopolymers in ceramic processing
  • Manufacture of geopolymer cement
  • Geopolymer concrete
  • Geopolymers in toxic and radioactive waste management

It is a textbook, a reference book instead of being a collection of scientific papers. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography of the relevant published literature including 75 patents, 120 tables, 360 figures, 550 references, 700 authors cited, representing the most up to date contributions of the scientific community. The industrial applications of geopolymers with engineering procedures and design of processes are also covered in this book.

The discovery of a new class of inorganic materials, geopolymer resins, binders, cements and concretes, resulted in wide scientific interest and kaleidoscopic development of applications. From the first industrial research efforts in 1972 at the Cordi-Géopolymère private research laboratory, Saint-Quentin, France, until the end of 2007, hundreds of papers and patents were published dealing with geopolymer science and technology.

Although review articles and conference proceedings cover various aspects of the science and application of geopolymers, a researcher or engineer is still at a loss to readily obtain specific information about geopolymers and their use. It is this void that we hope to fill with this book.

There are two main purposes in preparing this book: it is an introduction to the subject of geopolymers for the newcomer to the field, for students, and a reference for additional information. Background details on structure, properties, characterization, synthesis, chemistry applications are included.

There are many examples in geopolymer science where an issued patent is either a primary reference or the only source of essential technical information. Excerpts from the more important patents are included in some chapters.

The industrial applications of geopolymers with engineering procedures and design of processes is also covered in this book.

The book holds:
680 pages
119 tables
343 figures and pictures
75 patents
740 references
905 authors cited in references
Hard-cover book, high quality printing, light cream color paper.

FREE DOWNLOAD of Chapter 1 of “Geopolymer Chemistry and Applications”
(1 MB in PDF format).

Buy your copy of the book at The Geopolymer Shop

First comments

“…Congratulations on the publication of the book. I am sure the book will serve as ‘the bible’ of geopolymer science and help the researchers and users immensely…” (a University Professor)

“…I would like to share the comments of one of my young co-workers, she told me: ” Director, it is really a Bible for Geopolymers—the best collection of the literature up to now…” (a Director of a National Research Institution)

“…The book will be of great assistance in teaching some parts of my materials chemistry courses in which I deal with geopolymers, and I will add it to my recommended class reading list. I will request our University library to purchase several copies for the students as it is a completely up-to-date record of what is going on in this field…” (a University Professor)

The GeopolymerCamp is the opportunity to prepare the new edition of the book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications. Indeed, the Geopolymer Institute wishes to publish every year a new revised edition with the most up to date information. During this session, participants will propose subjects or issues that are worthwhile to be edited or added, and the assembly will discuss about it. Prepare your arguments if you want to see your last research, data, applications be added to this reference book.

All the courses will be directed by Professor Joseph Davidovits, the inventor and founder of Geopolymer. They are for professionals with a solid chemical background (engineer degrees, master degrees) or with equivalent long-term practice. Language is English (langue française sur demande pour 2 participants ou plus). Each course is designed for a maximum of 5 participants in order to encourage fruitful discussions between Prof. Joseph Davidovits and the students.

Tuition per one participant: includes luncheons, breaks, book and course notes; + VAT
3-day course: 1650 Euros; group rate 1500 Euros
2-day course: 1150 Euros; group rate 1050 Euros

Venue
Location the Geopolymer Institute place:
Access Map

The texts for the course included in the fee are the new book GEOPOLYMER Chemistry and Applications by J. Davidovits, and additional Technical Papers.

To get the list of the courses for the year 2008 (April-December) and registration details go to Courses Schedule

The photo shows the first printing for proof-reading. We expect to get the first exemplars printed for the end of February 2008. The first edition of the book will be sold on line by the Geopolymer Institute.

The book will serve as a basis for the teaching of geopolymer science and technology, either at Tomas Bata University of Technology, Zlin, or at the Geopolymer Institute, Saint-Quentin, France (Training courses starting April 1., 2008).

See the page dedicated to this book.

Abstract
A geopolymer was prepared by dissolving metakaolinite in a solution of K2SiO3 and KOH and curing at 80°C for 24 h. It was progressively heated from ambient to 1400°C in air and the phase changes were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Only an amorphous geopolymer phase was observed on heating up to 800°C. Kalsilite was the major phase at 1000°C and 1250-1400°C. At 1200°C leucite was the major phase formed. At 1400°C there was no sign of significant melting. The open porosity of the material was ~ 38% at 1000°C, which is sufficiently porous for it to be used as a heat insulation material for continuous use at this temperature.

Prof. Joseph Davidovits presents the road map for the next couple of years on geopolymer science innovation and research, at the 2^nd International Congress on Ceramics, Verona, Italy, July 4th, 2008.

There is a great need for innovation and therefore further research must be carried out. We have listed below the topics that deserve further involvement in the field of chemistry, physical-chemistry, materials science, and others. These needs are outlined in Davidovits’ book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications, generally at the end of the chapter dedicated to the topic, and are given in the list.

We hope that this initiative will minimize the number of scientific papers and conference communications that are simply re-inventing the wheel, i.e. replicate studies and research already performed by others, sometimes several decades ago, and outlined in the reference book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications.

The GeopolymerCamp is the opportunity to prepare the new edition of the book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications. Indeed, the Geopolymer Institute wishes to publish every year a new revised edition with the most up to date information. During this session, participants will propose subjects or issues that are worthwhile to be edited or added, and the assembly will discuss about it. Prepare your arguments if you want to see your last research, data, applications be added to this reference book.

Research topics:

Chapter 2: Polymeric character of geopolymers: geopolymeric micelle
“Further research is needed to provide scientific tools for the determination of several physical parameters such as overall dimension and molecular weight.”

Let physicochemical research institutions confirm covalent bonding system. Determine the molecular weight of the geopolymer micelle, a nanosized particulate detected by W. Kriven in 2003.

Chapter 5: Poly(siloxonate), soluble silicate (waterglass)
“The standard industrial silicates are mixtures of several silicate species (…) Any changes in the industrial fabrication parameters will strongly affect the nominal mixture composition and the geopolymeric properties of the soluble silicates obtained with these glasses (…) Nevertheless, researchers in geopolymer science should always keep in mind these data when developing tailored industrial geopolymer applications (…) Further research on this important topic will probably provide additional 3-D structures connected with the solid rings and polygons disclosed in Figure 5.9. (…) Further research is needed on this crucial technology.”

Let modify and master the manufacture process in order to get uniformity and quality control on the molecular sizes of Na-poly(siloxonate), K-poly(siloxonate) (soluble silicate).

Chapter 8: Metakaolin MK-750-based geopolymer
“In general, (Na,K)–poly(sialate-siloxo) is not made of single polymeric macromolecules but consists of a mixture, a solid solution, of at least two well defined geopolymers with different Si:Al ratios. The standardized methods of investigation, like ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy, are not sophisticated enough for the detection and separation of these different macromolecules. Future research is necessary. (…) The identification of Al-O-Al bonding in geopolymers has been confirmed by ¹⁷O MAS-NMR spectroscopy as the one displayed in Figure 8.24… The effect seems to diminish with the increase of the Si:Al ratio, when oligo-siloxonate molecules, Q₀ , Q₁ and Q₂ types are added to the geopolymeric reactant mixture. Further research is needed.”

Chapter 9: Calcium-based geopolymer
“There is production of two geopolymers: hydrated gehlenite and (Na,K)–poly(sialate-siloxo), and in addition calcium di-siloxonate hydrate (CSH cement type). Further research is needed on this very interesting topic of ancient Roman technology. (…) We could also assume that, in the hydrated state, our geopolymeric structures are more flexible than the rigid anhydrous chains. Their molecular arrangement might comply with the replacement of K⁺ with Ca⁺⁺. Further research is needed to clarify this important issue.”

Chapter 10: Rock-based geopolymer
“The extrapolation from the solid solution structures set forth in Chapter 9 would probably focus on the Ca-siloxonate-hydrate, and its resonance at -78 ppm for Q₁ structure in the ²⁹Si spectrum of Figure 10.5. However, in addition to the dimer Ca-di-siloxonate hydrate molecule, one could get higher oligomers: trimer, tetramer, pentamer, hexamer, with cyclic structures similar to those depicted for soluble silicates in Figure 5.13 of Chapter 5 as well as in Figure 2.8 of Chapter 2. Further research is needed.”

Chapter 11: Silica-based geopolymer
“The geopolymer composite has a high potential for fire-heat resistant coatings as well as corrosion resistant paint for steel. With tailored ceramic fillers one obtains heat stable materials with remarkable heat resistance. Further research is needed. (…) These results highlight the need for caution during the use and disposal of these manufactured nanomaterials to prevent unintended environmental impacts, as well as the importance of further research on tailored formulations aimed at preventing any risk.”

Chapter 12: Fly ash-based geopolymer
“Overall, the geopolymer matrix gives a Si:Al molar ratio ranging from 1.56–2.14 corresponding to a poly(sialate-siloxo) with inclusions of siloxonate-hydrate molecules consisting of higher oligomers: trimer, tetramer, pentamer, hexamer, with cyclic structures similar to those depicted for soluble silicates in Figure 5.13 of Chapter 5 as well as in Figure 2.8 of Chapter 2. Further research is needed. (…) Gasifier slag consists of four main components: silica, alumina, iron oxide and calcium oxide, mainly added as a flux in the gasification process. The gasifier slag composition is similar to that of iron blast-furnace slag (Sullivan and Hill, 2001). In other words, a possible shortage of iron blast-furnace slag would be easily compensated by the production of gasifier slag, opening new perspectives for the industrial implementation of geopolymers issuing from coal combustion in electrical power plants. Further research is needed.”

Chapter 13: Phosphate-based geopolymer
“Several laboratories are working on the inclusion of PO₄ units into sialate and sialate-siloxo sequences. Data have not been published, so far. Further research is needed on these materials that show promising potential applications.”

Chapter 14: Organic-mineral geopolymer
“Further research is needed in order to take advantage of the chemical compatibility of poly-organo-siloxane and mineral geopolymers. (…) Further research is needed on the geopolymerization mechanism in acid medium. (…) The previous examples show the potentiality of organo-mineral geopolymer compounds. Further research is needed.”

Chapter 17: Long-term durability
“As for technological applications of geopolymeric materials in waste management, any risk assessment must contain input from geological and geochemical analogues. The problem is the very low amount of available data on this topic. Further research is needed.

Chapter 21: Geopolymer-fiber composites
“In this Chapter, the best results involved the use of carbon or SiC fibers that are more expensive than E-glass. Future research will therefore take advantage of the geopolymeric systems outlined in Chapter 13 with phosphate based acidic matrix. This chemistry is not as aggressive to E-glass as the alkali driven poly(sialate) medium.”

The introduction of composites on a large scale in aircraft manufacture by Boeing and Airbus highlights the demand for fire- as well as heat-resistant geopolymer matrices.

Chapter 23: Geopolymer in ceramic processing
Introduce and develop LTGS for the production of low-cost building materials in developing countries with user-friendly geopolymeric ingredients.

Chapter 24: The manufacture of geopolymer cements
“We have learned in Chapter 19 that these dry mixes based on dry NaOH/KOH are corrosive in nature and may not be used (see in section 19.2, The need for user-friendly systems ). Research and development should therefore focus on innovative solutions involving the manufacture of ready to use, user-friendly, geopolymeric precursors. (…) Further research and development is needed on this very important technology.”

The major obstacle to the mass application of geopolymer cements comes from the chemical industry that is unable to manufacture the estimated 250-300 millions tonnes / year of alkali-silicates poly(siloxonates) needed for mass production of geopolymer cements, world-wide (presently ca. 15 millions tonnes / year). One must invent new methods of manufacture for poly(siloxonate) glasses, from geological raw-materials rich in K₂O and Na₂O, as in the European Research project GEOCISTEM (Brite-Euram 1994-1997).

Chapter 25: Geopolymer concrete
“When one adds together the properties described in this Chapter 25, and the chemical and physical parameters of geopolymer cements outlined in previous chapters, it becomes evident that geopolymer concrete is better than Portland cement concrete. Yet, further research is needed to apply and generalize to all geopolymer concrete types the results obtained by B.V. Rangan and his team.”

Invited Paper, Geopolymer 2002 International Conference, October 28-29, Melbourne, Australia

The presentation included 30 slides describing following geopolymer applications developed since 1972 in France, Europe and USA. The Geopolymer chemistry concept was invented in 1979 with the creation of a non-for profit scientific organization, the Institut de Recherche sur les Géopolymères (Geopolymer Institute); Fire resistant wood panel; Insulated panels and walls. Decorative stone artifacts; Foamed (expanded) geopolymer panels for thermal insulation; Low-tech building materials; Energy low ceramic tiles; Refractory items; Thermal shock refractory; Aluminum foundry application; Geopolymer cement and concrete; Fire resistant and fire proof composite for infrastructures repair and strengthening; Fireproof high-tech applications, aircraft interior, automobile; High-tech resin systems. The applications are based on 30 patents filed and issued in several countries. Several patents are now in the public domain, but others are still valid. The applications show genuine geopolymer products having brilliantly withstood 25 years of use and that are continuously commercialized.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 15.

Other interesting publications on the same topic of aluminosilicate polymers

We recommand following recent papers published in 1996-1997 by a research group at Free University of Brussels (V.U.B.), Belgium. These papers confirm the presence of a polymeric structure for aluminosilicates of the geopolymeric type. These papers are excellent for there scientific content but do not deserve any further consideration for there lack of any reference to the scientific papers nor to the numerous issued patents published by Joseph Davidovits and listed in the CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS databank. One of the authors of these papers, Prof. J. WASTIELS, worked with geopolymeric binders supplied by the company Géopolymère (Pont-Ste Maxence, France) and also presented a paper at the First European Conference on Geopolymer, GEOPOLYMER ‘88, 1998, Université de Technologie, Compiègne, France, paper titled: “Composites with Mineral Matrix in Low Energy Construction”, by G. Patfoort and J. Wastiels, in GEOPOLYMER ‘88, J. Davidovits and J. Orlinski Eds.., Volume 2, Paper nr 16, pp. 215-221, 1988. The presentation abstract of this paper, Session D Nr27 (see in GEOPOLYMER ‘88, page 11) reads as follows: “On March 31, 1987, French President Francois Mitterand laid the foundation stone of the new University of Technology at Sevenans, France. This foundation stone was man-made, more precisely had been geopolymerised at 55°C, in our laboratories [at V.U.B.]. Our involvement with geopolymeric reactions goes back to 1982 when we started a collaboration with Prof. J. Davidovits and the Geopolymer Institute. A series of low cost composites for low energy construction are being developed at Vrije Universitet Brussels, starting from aluminosilicates. Geopolymerisation reaction can take place at atmospheric pressure and at low temperatures (between room temperature and 100°C), so that a low amount of energy is used for production. Applications are expected to be found in low cost housing, using locally available raw materials, and more generally in composite materials with geopolymeric matrix”.

• Rahier H., Van Mele B., Biesemans.M., Wastiels J. and Wu X., Low-temperature synthesized aluminosilicate glasses Part I, J. Material Sciences, 31 (1996) 71-79.
• Rahier H., Van Mele B., Wastiels J., Low-temperature synthesized aluminosilicate glasses Part II, J. Material Sciences, 31 (1996) 80-85.
• Rahier H., Simons W., Van Mele B., Biesemans.M., Low-temperature synthesized aluminosilicate glasses Part III, J. Material Sciences, 32 (1997) 2237-2247.

D.GIMENO (1), J.DAVIDOVITS (2), C.MARINI (3), P.ROCHER (4), S.TOCCO (4), S.CARA (4), N.DIAZ (1), C.SEGURA (1), G.SISTU (6)
(1) Dept.Geoquímica,Petrologia i Prospecció Geològica, Fac.Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona.
(2) Geopolymer Institute & Cordi-Géopolymère, Saint Quentin, Francr
(3) Università di Cagliari, Dept.Scienze della Terra, Cagliari, Italy
(4) B.R.G.M. Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières, BRGM Auvergne, Aubiere, France
(5) DIGITA, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
(6) Dipto.Ricerche Economiche e Sociali, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

e-mail : Domingo (a) natura.geo.ub.es

The GEOCISTEM project was focused to look for an inexpensive natural glassy alkaline substitute of chemical reagents used in a trade registered cement. A complete survey for European resources made up for fragmentary (pyroclastic) alkali-rich glassy volcanic rocks (Na 2 O+K 2 O >10 %,K>>Na) was done in several European volcanic regions (in Italy, Greece and Spain). Up to 100 samples were analysed (main constituents by XRF; petrographic and XRD characterisation) and 10 of them were used in the developing of a silicate-based cement (laboratory and semi-industrial scale). The result was a set (ten) of cements characterised by high compressive strength of the plain cement phase (50-60 MPa after 28 days), with high resistance to chemical corrosion and non alkali-silica-aggregate reaction, very indicated for toxic waste encapsulation. Furthermore a great economy in energy and a significant reduction of K-silicate consumption (up to 1/3-1/4 of the formulation in the original trade registered cement) in the process of production was achieved. The chemical-mineralogical study carried out shows that the original formulation of the cement was too restrictive, as well as that the mineralogy reached during natural devitrification processes in the rock strictly controls the performance of this new european resource during the development of the cement. The anhidrous rocks mainly constituted by alkali feldspar and silica crystalline phases (obtained by devetrification at temperatures under magmatic ones) are more interesting than the zeolitised ones, allowing to skip the calcination process and thus providing energetic economy.