Geopolymer technology, from fundamentals to advanced applications: a review

Geopolymers are inorganic polymers with 3D framework structures having superior mechanical and physical properties. This new generation of cementitious materials has potential applications in fire resistant fibre composites, concretes for infrastructure applications, sealants and ceramics. Geopolymers are environmentally friendly substitutes for Portland cement: geopolymers in many applications not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also consume large volumes of industrial wastes such as fly ash, mine tailings and metallurgical slag. A brief review is given of geopolymer fundamentals and technology. Coverage includes structure and preparation, raw materials and the properties, particularly mechanical properties, of geopolymers. Current and potential applications of geopolymers and their advantages are introduced and discussed. The status of the geopolymer industry and the challenges that must be overcome to achieve wide acceptance and application of these novel cements is considered. Finally, future research topics are proposed. It is concluded that factors including the conservative view of new materials have limited application of geopolymers but progress is being made and geopolymers will be an important part of sustainable development in the twenty-first century.