Development and Characterization of Inorganic-Organic (Si-O-Al) Hybrid Geopolymeric Precursors via Solid State Method

Silicon - In this study, an innovative one part, solution free concept applied for the development of hybrid inorganic–organic geopolymeric precursors having Si-O-Al networks at the precursor...     

Optimal design and performance analysis of solar power microsystem for mini-grid application

Microsystem Technologies - Universally, solar power microsystem for mini-grid is acceptable as a new approach to solve the global energy problem. Improving population lifestyle as well as the...     

Corrosion and Fire Protective Behavior of Advanced Phosphatic Geopolymeric Coating on Mild Steel Substrate

The research objectives of this study were to investigate and compare corrosion and fire protective properties of conventional and advanced phosphatic geopolymeric coating on mild steel substrate using spray coating technique For these studies two composition were developed using conventional geopolymerisation route by adding alkali activator solution to fly ash and six compositions were developed using advanced geopolymerisation process in which water was added to solid precursor powder obtained by together co-ginding of raw materials for a period of 8 h. Coated plates were tested for adhesion strength, water resistance, fire protection and corrosion resistance. Results indicated that coating developed from two passes with thickness 100 ± 15 μm showed better adhesion as compared to single pass and also proved to be promising corrosion protective coating material for mild steel substrate under sea water conditions. The developed material is able to withstand flame for more than 45 min and also no cracks were observed in coating by direct heating on liquefied petroleum gas flame. Thus developed phosphatic geopolymeric material is well suited for protecting the mild steel structures from fire and corrosion.     

Formulation of Mechanochemically Evolved Fly Ash Based Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Geopolymers with Multilevel Characterization

In this research, advanced hybrid inorganic–organic geopolymeric material is developed by environmentally and user friendlier approach. The presented novel approach for geopolymer formation certainly overcomes the existing drawbacks of geopolymerization technology. The effect of rice husk ash and Na₂O/SiO₂ ratios on geopolymer gel formation and mechanical strength has been previously identified via solution chemistry route; however, development of geopolymeric material having hybrid inorganic–organic characters via together mechanochemical grinding of raw materials and effect of mechanochemically activated Na₂SiO₃ on geopolymeric properties via solid state route has never before been explored. Together mechanochemical grinding of raw materials of varying compositions in solid state resulted in the formation of ready to use geopolymeric precursors; which on just addition of water led to development of advanced hybrid inorganic–organic geopolymeric material with considerably enhanced properties. XRD, FTIR and SEM characterization data of developed geopolymeric precursor powder and hybrid inorganic–organic geopolymeric material are reported and discussed in detail. As the results of the investigations, the relationship between geopolymer composition, grinding mechanism and material properties established. The composition which exhibited synergistic effect of both rice husk and SMS is found to be excellent in performance. The study showed that it is practical and better to adopt this greener solid state approach for preparation of geopolymer instead of user-unfriendlier hazardous alkaline solution based approach, to achieve sustainable growth in geopolymers as like Portland cement.