| Geopolymers are a novel family of inorganic polymeric materials with promising engineering applications. In this study two geopolymers of the Na-PSS and Na-PSDS types were synthesized using commercially available materials and cured at 65°C. Analytical techniques such as solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, X-Ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used in order to characterize the material and for comparison with previously published information. The resultant products are amorphous to semi-crystalline three dimensional structures with polymeric S-O-Al bonds that exhibit good bonding to a steel substrate.; Experimental and analytical techniques used to measure the thermal stability, density, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, heat capacity and reaction kinetics indicate that geopolymers of the Na-PSDS type are suitable for the protection of steel structures due to a combination of low thermal conductivity, foaming capacity, high thermal stability and integrity after flame exposure. |
