In 2014 ZAG became memeber of the international association of experts in the field of construction RILEM (http://www.rilem.org/gene/main.php), where V. Ducman is a member of Technical Committee TC 247-DTA (Durability testing of alkali activated materials), which operates in the field of geopolymers (alkali actiavted materials). It was recognized that for the penetration of new products in building sector, these new products should be as durable as competing materials (like concrete). As for geopolymers or alkali-activated materials there are not yet a European (EN) or global (ISO) standardized methods available, the task of the committee is to establish, develop or modify existing tests of durability which will give certainty that new materials is durable enough for the intended use. At ZAG we have performed testing of different geopolymer sampleswith 5 different test methods related to durability in order to give a prediction on long term behaviour of geopolymer materials. At an international workshop (Alkaline-activated Materials for Construction, TU Delft, 14th of April, 2016, over 100 participants) our work/experiences in the durability testing of the alkali activated materials was presented.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 2210919Within the bilateral project with University of NOvi Sad "Mehanisms of bonding of aggregates based on fly ashes and prepared by means of geopolymers binders and cements" I have presented our activities in the field of AAM, findings obtained so dar, among them also influentila parametres for geopolimerisation degree and properties. Additionally I have presented our work within Rilem TC DTA round robin test and problems which we have faced during development of this material.
B.05 Guest lecturer at an institute/university
COBISS.SI-ID: 2230375This study presents the evalutaion of pore-forming process in geopolymers foams, when two different foaming agents were added to a fly ash based geopolymer-based matrix; aluminium powder, and H2O2. In order to better understand the effect of porosity on the properties of geopolymers, an analysis of porosity, pore size distribution, thickness of walls, pore shape, and pore interconnectedness was performed by means of three-dimensional X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT), which was supported by a suitable image analysis programme (Avizo). This technique has already been successfully applied in the case of the analysis of ceramic foams, and in the present study, too, it has proved to be an excellent tool for the studying of the microstructure of foams, since it does not interfere with or destructively affect the sample. During the workshop experinces working with tomography on such kind of materials were exchanged
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 2179431In the paper intende for the Slovenian professional audience, geopolymers were presented as potentila and perspective new material based mainly on waste precursors. Synthesis, properties, and potential use. At the end, some examples of recent uses of geopolymers in the world building praxis are presented (pavement, fences, and first use of geopolymers for construction purposes in 2014 in New Zeland). Information about establishment of research into this field in Slovenia are also given (ARRS Z2-6748: Mechanisms for the strengthening of different types of ash by means of a geopolymerization process)
F.30 Professional assessment of the situation
COBISS.SI-ID: 2086247Pozzolanic properties of ashes contribute significantly to the consolidation process in geopolymer samples,therefore it is important to test them. There are several testing methods (mechanical and chemical). Within the presented paper we have compared three different methods; determination of mechanical strength index, Frattini test and DTA / TG evaluation of pozzolanic activity . Unlike the determination of the mechanical strenght index where test duration is 3 months, DTA / TG analysis gives quick prediction of pozzolan activities, but unlike the first method, this one does not have (yet) established criteria. Results were presented at the conference Central and Eastern European Committee for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (CEEC-TAC3)
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 2149991