Properties of Geopolymer Composites Reinforced with Basalt Chopped Strand Mat or Woven Fabric

Journal Article · Mon Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 2016 · Journal of the American Ceramic Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.14079· OSTI ID:1400949

Ribero, Daniel ^[1]; Kriven, Waltraud M. ^[1]; Colombo, ed., P.

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1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois

Geopolymers or polysialates are inorganic polymeric, ceramic‐like materials composed of alumina, silica, and alkali metal oxides that can be made without any thermal treatment. Additions of reinforcing phases vastly improve the mechanical properties and high‐temperature stability of the geopolymer. The processing and mechanical properties of both chopped strand mat as well as 2‐D woven fabric‐reinforced potassium geopolymer composites have been evaluated. Hand lay‐up and hydraulic press processing methods were used to produce composite panels. The room‐temperature tensile and flexural strength of chopped strand mat composites was 21.0 ± 3.1 and 31.7 ± 4.4 MP a, respectively, while those of basalt weave‐reinforced geopolymer composites reached 40.0 ± 5.9 and 45.2 ± 9.3 MP a, respectively. Composite microstructures were examined using optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ). Mass, volume, and porosity fractions were also determined. The effect of high‐temperature treatments at 25°C, 300°C, 600°C, and 800°C were analyzed. Finally, Weibull statistical analysis was performed, which showed an increase in reliability when a reinforcement phase was added to K‐geopolymer.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: DE‐FG02‐07‐ER46453; DE‐FG02‐07‐ER46471
• OSTI ID: 1400949
• Journal Information: Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Ceramic Society Vol. 99 Journal Issue: 4; ISSN 0002-7820
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English