Geopolymer concrete: composition, production and application

Currently, building materials made using environmentally friendly natural components are becoming increasingly popular. One of such building materials is geopolymer concrete. In this article we will talk about what concretes are, what are their main characteristics and how they are used for their intended purpose.

Building material of the future comes from the distant past

Solving the problem of efficient utilization of construction waste, in the last decades, mankind has been trying to develop building materials that are dominated by natural components. Due to the presence of natural components, the problem of utilization of construction waste becomes less urgent and topical, since buildings and structures that have served their time do not need expensive multi-stage processing.

As a result, building materials created on the basis of natural components are not only initially cheaper than traditional analogues, but also save money and time, which would have been required during the full disposal.

In this article we will talk about what constitutes geopolymer concrete, which is made using natural components. At the heart of the name, it is easy to select the root “geo”, which in translation from Greek means “earth”. Already this observation suggests that we are dealing with a unique material that is taken from nature and does not pose any danger to the environment.

Production of geopolymer concrete on an industrial scale began only in 2012. But in fact, the recipe for geopolymer concrete with the initial composition of the components came to us from ancient times.

Advantages and disadvantages of geopolymer formulations

Experts say that geopolymer concrete is the building material of the future. Due to the unique composition of previously unused components, finished buildings and structures acquire excellent performance characteristics that can compete with any traditional concrete produced on the basis of Portland cement.

Among the main advantages of geopolymer compositions, we note the following:

• extremely low shrinkage, so that, at the end of construction work, you can almost immediately begin finishing work;
• high compressive strength of concrete, as a result, it is possible to build not only low-rise housing facilities, but also large multi-storey structures;
• extremely low greenhouse gas emissions;
• high resistance to environmental temperature differences;
• resistance to the negative effects of acids and other chemical aggressive substances;
• fire safety, as designs from geopolymers are able to withstand temperatures above 1000 degrees.
• low vapor permeabilitycomparable to the parameters of granite.
• ease of machining (cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles can be successfully applied);
• environmental cleanliness and safety due to the zero content of toxins and allergens;
• manufacturing using industrial wastewhich has a positive effect on the ecosystem of the region;
• short time of drying solution on average, 7-10 days (for comparison, concrete from Portland cement dries from two weeks to a month).
• low price in comparison with analoguesmade on the basis of portland cement;
• the possibility of ordering the mixture at specialized enterprises or the possibility of making their own hands using componentsavailable commercially.

Composition and manufacturing features

As already mentioned, geopolymer concretes are based on completely natural components, which can be partially purchased and partially made by hand.

In industrial production, the composition of geopolymer concrete includes the following components:

• slag, which is formed as a result of the work of most industrial enterprises;
• fly ash, which comes in abundance both from industrial enterprises and from a number of boiler houses;
• liquid glass
• a number of secondary ingredients that form the basic properties of the finished building material.

This composition, while respecting the ratio of the listed ingredients, forms a monolith when fully dried.

Instructions for making geopolymer concretes are not extremely difficult. But it is necessary to understand that some production stages imply the need for low temperatures, which is possible only in industrial conditions.

Important: Affordable price is peculiar to industrially made geopolymer solutions. If the composition is prepared by hand, its cost will be comparable to the price of ordinary concrete, or even be slightly higher.

As an example, consider the recipe for making one kilogram of thick usable geopolymer solution. Preparation of the solution at home is limited to thoroughly mixing the ingredients until a homogeneous mass without pronounced seals and large inclusions.

For mixing the ingredients, we use a plastic container, for example, a bucket of suitable dimensions, an electric drill or a screwdriver with a special nozzle.

In the container, gradually mixing, add:

• fly ash - 330 gr .;
• crushed slag - 330 g;
• liquid glass or K2SiO3– 200 g;
• water - 55 ml;
• KOH 45% - 90 g

Важно: Приготовление раствора целесообразно проводить непосредственно перед применением, так как liquid glass способствует быстрому застыванию бетона. Если раствор планируется применять не сразу, содержание жидкого стекла следует снизить.

So, now you know how to make geopolymer concrete, therefore, you can stock up on these components and start making the building material of the future today!

Properly prepared mixture is the optimal solution for laying lightweight structures and structures. And this is not surprising, since, in addition to the previously listed advantages, such concretes are characterized by low thermal conductivity, which makes the erected object more energy efficient.

For example, an industrially made mortar used for walling 30 cm thick provides the same heat retention as a brick wall 120 cm thick.

As a result, by abandoning traditional materials and choosing innovative solutions, you get a unique opportunity to reduce the costs associated with the heating of residential premises.

Practical advice on the use and operation of geopolymer formulations

To ensure optimum performance properties of concrete, water-soluble resins, PVA glue or latex compounds are added to the mixture. The use of such additives allows to achieve greater elasticity of the finished material and to simplify its machining.

Important: Additives in the form of PVA glue are justified if the consistency of the solution contains polyvinyl alcohol acting as an emulsifier.

In the manufacture of concrete with your own hands, you must ensure that the air in the room was dry. Again, the construction with the use of this material should be carried out in dry warm weather. The fact is that as it dries, a thin solid film that crystallizes on the surface of the mixture, swelling from the excessive humidity of the environment.

When preparing the solution with your own hands, it is advisable to pour water into the container and add ash, slag, and then the other ingredients into it. This approach allows not only to achieve optimal homogeneity of the mixture, but also makes possible the experimental selection of components.

Conclusion

Most experts believe that the future of the construction industry lies with geopolymers. After all, the rejection of traditional technologies and the transition to these materials will allow to build better, reliable and durable buildings.

Now that you know what geopolymer concrete is and what its properties are, you can make the right decision and thus make your home more durable, durable and comfortable. You can find more useful and interesting information by watching the video in this article.