Novel High Temperature Geopolymer for Spall-resistant Pavement Materials

During the last two decades, there has been considerable interest and research in inorganic polymers (“geopolymers”) for high-temperature applications. Geopolymers are manufactured by combining aluminosilicate powders with activating liquids through a polycondensation reaction. The resulting cured geopolymer can exhibit high compressive strengths after only four hours of set time. Geopolymers have no chemically bound water that can cause vapor spalling and can withstand high temperatures. In Phase I, research was conducted on geopolymer materials that exhibited high compressive strengths (>50MPa) without spalling, even after exposure to 800C. Current research is underway to test the material under jet loading conditions and to develop the geopolymer for runway coatings. In Phase II, optimization and testing will continue with additional thermomechanical and environmental testing. The proposed technology will allow the fabrication of low-viscosity geopolymeric pavement materials that will cure to high flexural and compressive strengths. The coatings will also exhibit high chemical resistance, excellent tolerance to various environments, and excellent spall-resistance through high temperature excursions. In Phase II and III, Sommer Materials Research will team with ATK Launch Systems to develop the geopolymer coating for Air Force and commercial/military applications relating to the aerospace and construction industries.