STOP promoting fly ash-based cements !

by Prof. Dr. Joseph Davidovits, 

Geopolymer Institute, Saint-Quentin (France)

A continent is on fire. Both Australia and California have never experienced such an inferno. More and more citizens are blaming the climate change (that is CO₂ emissions) responsible for this. But the governments of Australia, along with the U.S., Russia, Brazil, China, India, Poland, South Africa and also Germany – where coal mining and coal-power plants are significant industries and with powerful lobbies – are entrenched and want to stick to their coal policy and business.

Fly ash-based cement is supporting the burning of coal:

The demand for coal in electricity power plants is steadily increasing in the world and consequently generates more and more fly ash. Power plants are lobbying the cement and building industry with so-called low-CO₂ fly ash-based cements. The fact that fly ash is used to make building materials is an excuse to increase coal production. Therefore, any development and implementation of fly ash-based cement is supporting the burning of coal in the production of electricity and increasing CO₂ emission.

But, do you know that the manufacture of 1 metric tonne of fly ash is generating 33 metric tonnes of CO₂ emission? This fact has been overlooked by all experts, including United Nations Environment experts and myself. Indeed, the burning of 10 t Carbon (C=12 g/mol.) produces 36.66 t of CO₂ (CO₂ = 44 g/mol.). But the burning of coal generates 10% by weight of fly ash. In other words, 10 t coal are producing 1 t fly ash and emit 33 t CO₂.

All taken-for-granted ideas and promotional slogans about low-CO2 cements based on fly ash are totally wrong:

Consequently, 1 t of fly ash-based geopolymer cement containing 50% by weight of fly ash, should be associated with 16.5 t of CO₂ emission. Accordingly, 1 t of blended-OPC containing 50% by weight of fly ash, should also be linked to an additional 16.5 t of CO₂ emission. These numbers seem extravagant but they do represent scientific reality, particularly if we compare them with those numbers published in the past for geopolymer cement: 0.2 t CO₂/1 t GP-cement, as well as for Portland cement: 0.9 t CO₂/1 tonne OPC. All taken-for-granted ideas and promotional slogans about low-CO₂ cements based on fly ash are totally wrong.

Experts are stating that this CO₂ does not count because it has already been spent in the production of electricity. But we understand that this production has no future because it is harmful to the global climate. Therefore, the production of fly ash-based cement is not a long-term solution. Admittedly, the material is available and sometimes stored in large quantities. But I think it is not suitable for mass production, only for local niche markets or technical specialties.

Therefore, we should stop promoting coal-fly ash-based geopolymer cements. The solution is to develop and implement geopolymeric systems relying solely on geological resources, such as Ferro-sialate geopolymer cement and the like.

The geological raw material is available worldwide and long-term stability has been demonstrated. There is no reason why scientists around the world should not be working on it. See our recent article on Ferro-sialate Geopolymers in the Geopolymer Institute Library at Technical Paper Nr27 Ferro-sialate. A special session will be dedicated to this topic at the next Geopolymer Camp 2020, July 6-8.

Joseph Davidovits, 12/01/2020.

published November 2018: DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34337.25441

Why Alkali-activated-materials AAM are not Geopolymers

Script of the Video series available
at the Geopolymer Institute, Why-AAM-are not GP and on YouTube.

Many scientists and civil engineers are mistaking alkali activation for geopolymers, fueling confusion, using them as synonyms without understanding what they really are.
To sum-up: Alkali-Activated Materials (AAM) are NOT Polymers, so they cannot be called Geo-Polymers. AAMs are hydrates and Geopolymers are polymers. Geopolymers are NOT a subset of AAM because they are not a calcium hydrate alternative (no NASH, no KASH). Geopolymer is not a hydrate, because water does not participate in the structuration of the material. They belong to two very different and separate chemistry systems (a hydrate/precipitate that is a monomer or a dimer versus a true polymer). Those who claim that both terms are synonyms are promoting a misleading scientific belief.

In my four keynotes at the Geopolymer Camp (2014-2017), I explained why Alkali- Activated-Materials are not Geopolymers, or why alkali-activation is not geopolymerization. We have selected all the sequences that had been dedicated to this issue in the GPCamp-2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 keynotes. These videos are titled: Why Alkali- Activated Materials are NOT Geopolymers. You will finally understand why there are two different systems.

Click here to see how to download paper nr 25 Why-AAM.pdf.

ORGANIZED BY THE GEOPOLYMER INSTITUTE

– April, Geopolymer Webinar Spring 2015 (Internet)

Join Professor Joseph Davidovits and listen to the Geopolymer WEBINAR Spring 2015 a free Web seminar of 2 x 3 hours course.

Go to Geopolymer Webinar Spring 2015

06-8 July, Saint-Quentin, France

7th Geopolymer Camp 2015,
International workshop on geopolymer science, technology and applications, as well as archaeology. Celebrating 36th-year anniversary of the Geopolymer Institute.
Go to GeopolymerCamp

– November, Geopolymer Webinar Fall 2015 (Internet)

Join Professor Joseph Davidovits and listen to the Geopolymer WEBINAR Fall 2015 a free Web seminar of 2 x 3 hours course.

Go to Geopolymer Webinar 2014

ADDITIONAL OFFICIAL CONFERENCE FOR 2015

25-30 January, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA,

Organized by the American Ceramic Society,
ICACC’15 International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites,
Focused Session 1: Geopolymer and Chemically Bonded Ceramics.
Go to Daytona Symposia

24-29 May, Hernstein, Austria

ECI Conference GEOPOLYMERS
Geopolymers: The route to eliminate waste and emissions in ceramic and cement manufacturing.
Go to ECI Conference

The last few years have seen spectacular technological progress in the development of geosynthesis and geopolymeric applications.

New state-of-the-art materials designed with the help of geopolymerisation reactions are opening up new applications and procedures, and transforming ideas that have been taken for granted in inorganic and mineral chemistry.

Since the discovery of the geopolymer chemistry by Prof. Joseph Davidovits (see also in the Library the scientific paper IUPAC 1976) this new generation of materials, whether used pure, with fillers or reinforced, is already finding applications in all fields of industry. These applications are to be found in the automotive and aerospace industries, non-ferrous foundries and metallurgy, civil engineering, cements and concretes, ceramics and plastics industries, waste management, art and decoration, retrofit of buildings, etc. One third of the recently updated book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications is dedicated to geopolymeric applications. You may also go to the Geopolymer Library and download several papers, for example #21 Geopolymer cement review 2013.

Some of the geopolymer applications are still in development whereas others are already industrialized and commercialized. They will be listed in six (6) categories, namely:

Geopolymer Precursor

Geopolymer Resin, paint, binder, grout

Geopolymer cement, concrete, waste management, global warming

Applications with geopolymer cements and concretes are described in the section Geopolymer Cement with special emphasis on the introduction of user-friendly systems. It is striking to notice that Geopolymer cements manufacture emits 80 to 90% less CO₂ (greenhouse effect gas) than Portland Cement. See in GLOBAL WARMING. They are perfect examples of Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development.

For information on Fly Ash-based geopolymer cements go to European Research Project GEOASH. For updated very recent detailed information, read Chapters 12, 24, 25 in Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications; you may also download previous papers in the Library .

Rock-based geopolymer cements are ideal for environmental applications, such as the permanent encapsulation of radioactive and other hazardous wastes, toxic metals, as well as sealants, capping, barriers, and other structures necessary for remedying toxic waste containment sites (see our European Research Project GEOCISTEM and the GEOPOLYTECH process). See also in the Library .

Rock-based geopolymer cements and concretes for building and repairing infrastructure have very high early strength, their setting times can be entirely controlled, and they remain intact for a very long time without the need for repair. See in Davidovits’ book, Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications, the Chapters 9, 10, 24 and 25. The strength of geopolymeric rock-based geopolymer concrete is such that a heavy Boeing or Airbus can land on a runway freshly patched with geopolymeric rock-based geopolymer concrete only four hours after patching has been completed. The discovery of this new cement was awarded with a Gold Ribbon by the American National Association for Science, Technology and Society (NASTS) in 1994 (Library paper #3 NASTS award ).

Geopolymer specialty

Geopolymer ceramic

Several decades ago, ceramicists tried to manufacture ceramic tiles at temperatures lower than 450°C, without firing. Geopolymer science masters the transformation of kaolinite, the major component of ceramic clays, into geopolymers of the poly(sialate) and poly(sialate-siloxo) types. Application of this chemistry yielded several technological breakthroughs pertaining to LTGS, Low-Temperature-Geopolymeric-Setting and geopolymerized modern ceramic processing. See in Chapter 23 of Davidovits’ book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications .

Geopolymer high-tech/ fiber reinforced composite

Geopolymer composites have three main properties that make them superior to ceramic-matrix composites, plastics, and organic composite materials.

First:
Geopolymers are very easy to make, as they handle easily and do not require high heat.
Second:
Geopolymeric composites have a higher heat tolerance than organic composites. Tests conducted on Geopolymer carbon-composites showed that they will not burn at all, no matter how many times ignition might be attempted.
Third:
The mechanical properties of Geopolymer composites are as good as those of organic composites. In addition, Geopolymers resist all organic solvents (and are only affected by strong hydrochloric acid).

Before the discovery of geopolymerization, these three critical properties had not been incorporated into any one material. More information are available in applications called GEO-COMPOSITE and GEO-STRUCTURE and in Davidovits’ book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications , Chapter 21.

An Example of the Development of Geopolymeric Composites and Cements That Improves Air Travel Safety and Airport Efficiency*

The Chapters of the book GEOPOLYMER Chemistry & Applications dedicated to these applications are referred to in italic.

A jet is preparing for takeoff from a runway in New York as a crew begins placing a section of geopolymer concrete (Chapters 24, 25) on a Los Angeles runway. The plane is equipped with a fire-resistant geopolymer-encased electronic flight recorder. The jet’s cabin has also been rendered fireproof with sandwich panels of carbon/Geopolymite® composites (Chapter 21) and geopolymer foam insulating boards (Chapter 22). The jet is also equipped with a highly advanced fireproof air filter. Several structural components of the jet, made with an advanced SPF Al superplastic aluminum alloy, have been manufactured at 550°C using compression ceramic tools made of geopolymer materials (Chapter 20).

When the plane is ready to land in Los Angeles, the runway repaired with Pyrament® concrete will be ready for it.

*This fictitious example illustrates possible applications that are or have been manufactured and/or patented by several companies

As part of a major Technology Strategy Board (UK) funded project Imperial College London, in collaboration with Tetronics Ltd, has completed research on the production of geopolymers from DC plasma treated air pollution control (APC) residues. APC residues are a hazardous waste produced from the cleaning of gaseous emissions at Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities processing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). APC residues have been blended with glass-forming additives to facilitate the formation of a vitreous product and treated using DC plasma technology. This produces a calcium aluminosilicate glass (APC glass) which was used as the raw material for the production of geopolymers. Work has shown that high strength geopolymers can be formed. The broad particle size distribution of the milled APC glass used in the experiments resulted in a microstructure that contains un-reacted APC glass particles included within a geopolymer binder phase. Due to the high calcium content of the APC glass the binder phase formed a three dimensional geopolymeric network that contains hydration products including C-S-H gel which contribute to the excellent final mechanical properties of the material. The research demonstrates, for the first time, that glass derived from DC plasma treatment of APC residues can be used to form high strength geopolymer-glass composites, and these have potential to be used in a range of applications. DC plasma process is an integrated sustainable solution for APC residues management, fulfilling the aim of the EU waste policy as it is a recycling/recovery option higher in waste hierarchy than the existing management options. The use of APC residue plasma derived glass in the production of geopolymers provides a reuse option that promotes resource efficiency and carbon footprint minimisation. More information can be found in the recent publication in the Journal of Hazardous Materials:
Kourti, I., Rani, D.A., Deegan, D., Boccaccini, A.R. and Cheeseman, C.R. (2010) “Production of geopolymers using glass produced from DC plasma treatment of air pollution (APC) residues.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 176(1-3): 704-709.

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.

Geopolymers are being investigated as an alternative to traditional cement materials and for waste remediation of hazardous substances.

Previously the high calcium level of fly ash had caused problems with accelerated setting times. The new process has overcome this difficulty making fly ash a serious contender for the manufacture of geopolymers.

h4. We’d like to hear from you

We are interested in hearing from anyone who may have another potential application for this new process or who has another industrial by-product which could have value added to it.

h4. For more information

David Johnson
Business Development Manager
Phone: +64 4 931 3781
Mobile: +64 21 193 1112
Email: d.johnson # irl.cri.nz

See the dedicated page here

Geosynthesis of Rock-based Geopolymer cements was the objective of the European multidisciplinary BriteEuram industrial research project GEOCISTEM. The project titled cost effective GEOpolymeric Cements for Innocuous Stabilization of Toxic EleMents, in short GEOCISTEM, started on Jan. 1994 and has been completed on June 1997.

In J. Davidovits’ book, Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications, Chapter 10 is dedicated to Rock-based Geopolymer cements.

The project seek to manufacture economical geopolymeric cements primarily for the long-term containment of hazardous and toxic wastes and for restoring sites highly contaminated with uranium mining waste (the WISMUT sites in former East Germany). The patented GEOPOLYTECH® process is currently undergoing industrial testing on various sites. In the recently updated book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications this application is outlined in Chapter 26. You may also go to the Geopolymer Library and download several papers.

Rock-based Geopolymer cements are manufactured in a different manner than Portland cement. Geopolymeric cements do not require high temperature kilns, or large expenditures of fuel, nor do they require such a large capital investment for the plant and equipment. Thermal processing at temperatures not higher than 600-700°C of naturally occurring alkali-silico-aluminates and alumino-silicates (geological resources available on all continents) provides suitable rock-based geopolymeric raw-materials.

In addition, the GEOCISTEM technology reduces the energy consumption of manufacturing cement. The global introduction of these low-CO₂ geopolymeric cements, for civil engineering, infrastructure and general construction purposes will reduce the CO₂ emissions created by the cement concrete industry by 80%. This can mitigate overall Global Warming .

Partners:

• European Commission, Brussels
• B.R.G.M. Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (France)
• CORDI-GEOPOLYMERE SA (France)
• LAVIOSA CHIMICA MINERARIA SPA (Italy)
• CAGLIARI UNIVERSITY, Dpt Scienze della Terra (Italy)
• BARCELONA UNIVERSITY, Facultat de Geologia (Spain)

Sub-contrators for Cordi-Geopolymere SA, Saint-Quentin:

• WISMUT GmbH, Chemnitz (Germany)
• HEIDELBERGER ZEMENT AG, Heidelberg (Germany)
• NAMUR University, Namur (Belgium)
  CEMENTI BUZZI, Torino (Italy)
• CAEN UNIVERSITY, Centre Etude et Recherche sur l’Antiquité (France)
• Project leader: Prof. Dr. Joseph Davidovits, Cordi-Geopolymere SA

Acid Resistant Concrete for Uranium and Metallic Mining Sites

Metallic mine tailings are usually generating sulphuric acid that results from the oxidation of pyrite. The resistance to strong sulphuric acid solution (5% H₂SO₄ solution) was investigated after the standard 28 days of hardening. Testing involved comparative sand mortar standard methods with Portland cement (type I 42.5 R from our sub-contractor Cementi Buzzi) and a geopolymeric cement that comprises 75% by weight of geological elements. This cement is coined CARBUNCULUS cement because of it similarity with the calcined pozzolan “carbunculus”, which according to the Roman architect Vitruvius (1st Century AD) was the basic material of the good Roman mortar (see in Archaeo-Analogues and also the paper #D Searching for Carbunculus ). After 60 days, CARBUNCULUS cement remains practically intact whereas the acid corrosion has destroyed more than 65% of Portland Cement I.42.5 (weight loss and change in shape and volume).

Comparative test CARBUNCULUS cement vs. Portland cement I.42.5, 28 days of hardening. Weight loss after 7, 28 and 60 days in Sulphuric acid solution (5%, pH=0).

The patented GEOPOLYTECH technology is based on the use of geopolymer binders. The GEOPOLYTECH technology could provide a safe and proven method for the encapsulation and long-term containment of toxic, hazardous, and radioactive sludges from decantation ponds and pasty wastes (filter cakes) from water treatment facilities. The technology is presently applied in Germany by B.P.S. Engineering .

The patented GEOPOLYTECH technology provides excellent retention for highly toxic elements, including:

• heavy metals
• uranium
• radium
• arsenic
• hydro-carbons

Like vitrification, the GEOPOLYTECH technology offers:

• high strength
• acid resistance
• long term durability
• geological analogues
• archaeological analogues

But unlike vitrification, the GEOPOLYTECH technology does not require energy-consuming drying and melting.

GEOPOLYTECH can be produced with inexpensive Geopolymer binders or cements. GEOPOLYTECH requires only simple mixing equipment. GEOPOLYTECH is produced at room temperature.

Scientific background

In the recently updated book Geopolymer Chemistry & Applications, Toxic and Radioactive Waste Management applications are thoroughly outlined in Chapter 26. You may also go to the Geopolymer Library and download several papers.

Laboratory and pilot-scale studies

The European research project GEOCISTEM successfully tested this technology in various research projects performed for the German company WISMUT GmbH. The testing was conducted to rehabilitate uranium mining sites in former East Germany, where the contaminants included uranium, radium, hydro-carbons, and arsenic.

These steps are disclosed in French in the published International patent application WO 89/02766, titled “Method for stabilization, solidifying and storing waste materials” published with modified claims and declaration, dated 05.05.1989. This was a second publication. Initial publication of WO 89/02766 dated 06.04.1989 did not contain this information.

Prof. Joseph Davidovits

From 2001, we have conducted some important research on the development, manufacture, behaviour, and applications of Low-Calcium Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete. This concrete uses no Portland cement; instead, we use the low-calcium fly ash from a local coal burning power station as a source material to make the binder necessary to manufacture concrete. Concrete usage around the globe is second only to water. An important ingredient in the conventional concrete is the Portland cement. The production of one ton of cement emits approximately one ton of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Moreover, cement production is not only highly energy-intensive, next to steel and aluminium, but also consumes significant amount of natural resources. In order to meet infrastructure developments, the usage of concrete is on the increase. Do we build additional cement plants to meet this increase in demand for concrete, or find alternative binders to make concrete?

In this work, low-calcium (ASTM Class F) fly ash-based geopolymer is used as the binder, instead of Portland or other hydraulic cement paste, to produce concrete. The fly ash-based geopolymer paste binds the loose coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and other un-reacted materials together to form the geopolymer concrete, with or without the presence of admixtures. The manufacture of geopolymer concrete is carried out using the usual concrete technology methods. As in the case of OPC concrete, the aggregates occupy about 75-80 % by mass, in geopolymer concrete. The silicon and the aluminium in the low-calcium (ASTM Class F) fly ash react with an alkaline liquid that is a combination of sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions to form the geopolymer paste that binds the aggregates and other unreacted materials.

This paper contains 2 reports. The first Report GC1 (curtin-flyash-GP-concrete-report.pdf) describes the mixes and the short term properties. The second Report GC2 (curtin_flyash_GC-2.pdf) provides the long term properties. See the conclusions below.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 17.

Based on the test results, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. There is no substantial gain in the compressive strength of heat-cured fly ash- based geopolymer concrete with age.
2. Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete cured in the laboratory ambient conditions gains compressive strength with age.
3. Heat-cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete undergoes low creep.
4. The creep coefficient, defined as the ratio of creep strain-to-instantaneous strain, after one year for heat-cured geopolymer concrete with compressive strength of 40, 47 and 57 MPa is around 0.6 to 0.7; for geopolymer concrete with compressive strength of 67 MPa this value is around 0.4 to 0.5.
5. The heat-cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete undergoes very little drying shrinkage in the order of about 100 micro strains after one year. This value is significantly smaller than the range of values of 500 to 800 micro strain for Portland cement concrete.
6. The drying shrinkage strain of ambient-cured specimens is in the order of 1500 microstrains after three months. This value is many folds larger than that of heat- cured specimens, and the most part of that occurs during the first few weeks.
7. The test results demonstrate that heat-cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete has an excellent resistance to sulfate attack.
8. Exposure to sulfuric acid solution damages the surface of heat-cured geopolymer concrete test specimens and causes a mass loss of about 3% after one year of exposure. The severity of the damage depends on the acid concentration.
9. The sulfuric acid attack also causes degradation in the compressive strength of heat-cured geopolymer concrete; the extent of degradation depends on the concentration of the acid solution and the period of exposure. However, the sulfuric acid resistance of heat-cured geopolymer concrete is significantly better than that of Portland cement concrete as reported in earlier studies.

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

Environmentally driven geopolymer applications are based on the implementation of (K,Ca)-Poly(sialate-siloxo) / (K,Ca)-Poly(sialate-disiloxo) cements. In industrialized countries (Western countries) emphasis is put on toxic waste (heavy metals) and radioactive waste safe containment. On the opposite, in emerging countries, the applications relate to sustainable development, essentially geopolymeric cements with very low CO₂ emission. Both fields of application are strongly dependent on politically driven decisions.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 16.

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.

(1) B.P.S. Engineering GmbH
(2) WISMUT GmbH
(3) Cordi-Géopolymère SA

published in the Géopolymère ‘99 Proceedings, 2nd International Conference on Geopolymers

Sludges containing radionuclides, toxic heavy metals and hydro-carbons can be solidified by geopolymer with excellent long-term structural, chemical and microbial stability, satisfying high standards of contaminant retention. The novel technology gives a monolithic product which can be easily handled, stored and monitored. It requires only simple mixing and moulding technology known from conventional solidification methods.

Extensive laboratory investigation has been carried out to demonstrate the performance of the novel solidification method under adverse stress conditions. In particular, the sludges of a treatment facility for uranium mining effluents and sludges from a settling pond, contaminated organically, radioactively and by heavy metals, have been treated. An optimized two-step technology, known as geopolymer, was successfully adapted to the specific characteristics of these sludges. Moreover, the geopolymer process has been shown to deliver excellent results for radioactive and arsenic-loaded sludges from municipal drinking water purification plants that are sensitive with respect to public risk perception and regulatory policy.

Pilot-scale experiments that show the method’s maturity for industrial use and to provide realistic material and operation cost estimates were done for the uranium mine sludges. Several tons were solidified in WISMUT’s Schlema-Alberoda water treatment plant in 1998. Our results clearly show that geopolymer solidification is a prime candidate to fill cost-efficiently the gap between conventional concrete technology and vitrification methods. Due to the reduced effort to prepare, operate and close the landfill, solidification by geopolymer leads to approximately the same unit cost as by conventional portland cement, but provides in most aspects the performance of vitrification.

The paper is divided into two parts. Part I describes in detail the basic principles of geopolymer and the laboratory investigations carried out to develop a viable solidification technology. After briefly introducing the basic principles of the Geopolytec® process and comparing it to conventional solidification methods, our paper shows promising results that were obtained for the long-term stability and contaminant retention of under several testing procedures. Subsequently, the experience from the pilot-scale experiment in the water treatment facility of WISMUT is presented. It shows that the Geopolytec® process is now mature for industrial application.

Part II is devoted to a pilot-scale experiment in which about 10 tons of radioactive and toxic sludges were solidified by the Geopolytec® process.

Finally, the prospects and market potential for the solidification of sludges by geopolymer are discussed, and an outlook to future activities is given.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 13.

Spectacular technological progress has been made in the last few years through the development of new materials such as ‘geopolymers’, and new techniques, such as ‘sol-gel’. New state-of-the-art materials designed with the help of geopolymerisation reactions are opening up new applications and procedures and transforming ideas that have been taken for granted in inorganic chemistry. High temperature techniques are no longer necessary to obtain materials which are ceramic-like in their structures and properties. These materials can polycondense just like organic polymers, at temperatures lower than 100°C. Geopolymerization involves the chemical reaction of alumino-silicate oxides (Al3+ in IV-fold coordination) with alkali polysilicates yielding polymeric Si-O-Al bonds; the amorphous to semi-crystalline three dimensional silico-aluminate structures are of the Poly(sialate) type(- Si-O-Al-O -), the Poly(sialate-siloxo) type (- Si-O-Al-O-Si-O -), the Poly(sialate-disiloxo) type (- Si-O-Al-O-Si-O-Si-O -).

This new generation of materials, whether used pure, with fillers or reinforced, is already finding applications in all fields of industry. Some examples:

• pure: for storing toxic chemical or radioactive waste, etc.
• filled: for the manufacture of special concretes, molds for molding thermoplastics, etc.
• reinforced: for the manufacture of molds, tooling, in aluminum alloy foundries and metallurgy, etc.

These applications are to be found in the automobile and aerospace industries, non ferrous foundries and metallurgy, civil engineering, plastics industries, etc.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 12.

The main objective in the management of nuclear and uranium radioactive wastes is to protect current and future generations from unacceptable exposure to radiation from man-made materials. This task can best be achieved by the use of one or more geopolymeric containment barriers to surround and isolate the wastes. The barriers fulfil two roles: they shield people from the radiation emitted by wastes, and they prevent or retard their movement, ensuring that they do not reach people in unacceptable concentrations. The main requirement is then to ensure that wastes remain isolated from people for the necessary length of time. This will vary, depending on the type of waste. There is an important distinction between nuclear wastes (high-level, medium-level and low-level), which eventually become harmless, albeit in some cases after a very long time, and uranium wastes which comprises radioactive wastes and chemically toxic wastes, and therefore will retain their toxicity for ever. The engineered geopolymeric structures of the repository are designed to stay intact for several centuries. After several thousands years, ground water will gradually penetrate the repositories and cause corrosion of the concrete structures. At this time, the radioactivity of the wastes will have fallen to a small fraction of its initial value, but chemical waste will remain toxic and harmful for the environment.

Click here to see how you can download paper number 7.