As part of the Topical Advisory Panel of the high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journal Polymers (impact-factor 4.329 in 2020), Ildiko was invited to guest-edit the journal’s Special Issue Geopolymers.
Geopolymers (or alkali-activated binders) have been the most commonly researched sustainable alternative to the traditional cement-based binders in concretes (and mortars) throughout the past decade. In geopolymers, different solid prime materials (natural and waste materials such as fly ash obtained from thermal power plant coal combustion procedure, ground granulated blast furnace slag, micro silica, etc.) are activated using various alkaline solutions.
Available research results show that geopolymers can provide adequate mechanical properties for a potential replacement of structural concrete if properly designed and cured. Based on the alkali-activated product formed after the activation of the solid prime materials, two different categories can be defined: i) calcium silicate hydrate gel and ii) alkaline alumino-silicate hydrate gel (also known as inorganic or geopolymer gel).
The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on new advances and research results in the field of geopolymer composites (or alkali-activated materials) and their applications in the area of alternative sustainable building materials. The specific areas of interest of the Special Issue include (but are not limited to) the composition and matrix mix design of geopolymer cements, mortars and concretes along with reinforced matrices (longitudinal-, fibre-, or textile reinforcement). The issue will address the composites’ properties in fresh- and hardened states including their physical, mechanical and fracture mechanical characteristics. Topics may include creep, shrinkage, carbonation as well as durability- and long-term behavior aspects of the composite. Applications of geopolymer composites in building constructions, retrofit and maintenance are also welcomed.
Ideally, contributions should be focused on fundamental results, mechanisms, and applications that will help to compile the current state-of-the-art and to highlight their range of application. Both original contributions and reviews are welcome.
The deadline for manuscript submissions is 31st of December 2021.
Keywords: Geopolymer mix design, Geopolymer mortar, Geopolymer concrete, Fibre-reinforced geopolymer, Physical properties, Mechanical properties, Fracture properties, Durability properties, Geopolymer applications
View all topic editors of Polymers here.
Visit the Special Issue website.
