Geopolymer Chemistry and Applications

Book excerpt: 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, it 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, Chemistry of (Na, K)-oligo-sialates: hydrous alumino-silicate gels and zeolites, Kaolinite / Hydrosodalite-based geopolymer, Metakaolin MK-750-based geopolymer, Calcium-based geopolymer, Rock-based geopolymer, Silica-based geopolymer, 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, 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 80 patents, 125 tables, 363 figures, 560 references, 720 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