Applications of Geopolymer Concrete and MATERIAL SCIENCE's Affect on the world
New applications of Geopolymer concrete are being found daily, allowing human's to let their creative minds soar. It’s a simple fact, some products can’t be created with the current materials available. The development of processing and refining techniques has constantly brought about waves of technical advances and new inventions. This cycle of events can be seen throughout human history and will continue to occur in the future, two major examples are plastics and aluminum. While having a strong, durable, easy to make material is nice, we must also look at the materials' effects on humans and the earth, as seen with lead paint, asbestos and single use plastics. Geopolymers have simple ingredients with no noted effects on humans. Along with being human friendly Geopolymers can be crushed down and reused. The fourth industrial revolution is among us and it will be driven by the applications of Geopolymer concrete.
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Plastics and aluminum changed the way we live
https://blueocean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/plastic-ocean-pollution-ecowatch.jpgAluminum and aluminum alloys, making up a whopping 8.1% of the earth's crust by weight this element were oddly difficult to refine for a long time. Recently discovered in 1825, aluminum was so challenging to make it was worth more than gold. But as improvements in processing and refining this metal was able to become a staple for many industries. Now it is able to be combined with a variety of additives, changing strength, weight, corrosion resistance and many other characteristics. This allowed large transport category airplanes to be made and changed how humans live forever. Here's a quick video on the history of aluminum and aluminum alloys. Another example of a revolutionary material that has changed the way we live is plastic. With their high strength to weight ratio, flexibility and ease of casting they have become a popular choice for a wide range of applications. Sadly not all varieties of plastics are recyclable. Click to learn more on the history and future of Plastics. Plastics are a versatile bunch of material, thankfully humans are going back to making them from plant matter because the way we are living isn’t sustainable, the overusing and contaminating of the natural resources of our home planet must stop. We the people have a choice, switch to a sustainable, recyclable, safe material which can withstand the structural loads demanded by our current lifestyle or change the way we live. The goal of material science must be equally focused on environmental impact and pollution mitigation as it is on physical benefits and ease of use. This is where Geopolymer finds it's application, the middle ground between structural benefits and environmental care.
Applications of Geopolymer Concrete
https://www.geopolymer.org/wp-content/uploads/directory.jpgGeopolymers are a new group of material, described as a ceramic cement. It’s created by reacting aluminate and silicate bearing materials with a caustic activator. Once the reaction is complete you are left with a very tight internal structure. There are so many applications of Geopolymer concrete because it has so many positive characteristics and an alleviating effect on pollution. Structural applications are a big one, with a good strength to weight ratio which can be greatly increased by adding micro balloons and other filler materials. Along with off the chart insulation value and an incredible ability to resist flame. Fireproof beams, doors, paint, shingles and even whole buildings are very realistic applications of geopolymer concrete. But that's just the beginning, when used in conjunction with 3D printers and silicone molding, DIY builders can create their wildest dreams. Large or small, anything you can build or mold you can form with geopolymer, whether it be a chess set, door hinge or a new hand. This is why NanoForge LLC has made it their goal to develop this new material and make it safe, recyclable and easy to use for all. The future applications of geopolymer concrete are out of this world, astronauts will forge parts in space. Check out this website to learn and explore some of the infinite possibilities of Geo-Polymers.
As materials with new beneficial characteristics are made available new products are able to be formed. Heading into this new ara of human capability, we need material that promotes sustainability and safety as well as structural strength. Material science drives innovation and pollution. Applying Geopolymer concrete to our daily lives will lead us to a reduced carbon footprint and less plastic in our sea’s as well as allowing us to be more creative than ever!
Written by Leo Schlesinger
Leo Schlesinger
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