Development of Low-Cost Functional Geopolymeric Materials

Some important research on the development, and applications of Low-cost functional geopolymeric materials was conducted.. This paper focuses on geopolymerization technique intended for the stabilization of natural geomaterial samples collected from various deposits in Jordan. The obtained materials are environmentally friendly and need only a low energy amount to be produced. Observations confirmed that natural geomaterials, e.g. kaolinite, satisfy the criteria to be used as precursors of inexpensive and durable construction materials. Specimens with compressive strength of 41 MPa under dry conditions and 23 MPa under water saturated conditions were obtained. Also these materials maintained or improved their mechanical performance after heating up to 600 °C. Therefore, they can be used for applications where fire safety is important. It was observed that adding functional fillers such as zeolitic tuff increases the adsorption capacity of the end geopolymer products toward heavy metals such as cadmium, copper and lead. Such products also can be used for water storage and in waste water treatment plants.