High magnification image of a geopolymer binder

Geopolymers: building blocks of the future

Geopolymers are fire-resistant, blast-resistant and acid-resistant, and could become the building and construction industry’s materials of the future.

• 16 January 2008 | Updated 14 October 2011

• What are geopolymers?
• Applications
• Current research
• Outcomes

Geopolymers are a new group of building materials that has the potential to transform the building products industry.

CSIRO is working with industry partners on developing world-leading applications of this technology that could soon see products on the market.

What are geopolymers?

Geopolymers are ceramic-like, inorganic polymers (that is, based on silica not carbon) that are produced at low temperatures.

They are:

• fire-resistant
• blast-resistant
• acid-resistant.

Their properties include being:

• adhesive
• castable
• extrudable
• sprayable
• strong.

Applications

Geopolymers can be used in construction and manufacturing applications including: 

• structural
• panel and precast
• ready mixes.

Although CSIRO's research focuses on these applications, the potential uses for geopolymers are wide-ranging.

They include:

• adhesives
• aggregates
• coatings
• composites
• conduits
• fibres and textiles
• fluid containment
• insulation
• marine structures
• refractories
• soil stabilisation
• waste encapsulation.

The cost of using geopolymer-based building materials is similar to existing materials, but the technical and environmental benefits are expected to be far greater.

Current research

CSIRO research is concentrating on using geopolymers instead of cement.

Our work in this area is twofold:

• conducting fundamental research so that geopolymer technology can be better understood
• investigating ways the technology can be used in new and existing applications.

Outcomes

Geopolymers offer significant environmental benefits in comparison to cement.

For example, for every tonne of cement manufactured, one tonne of carbon dioxide is produced. However, geopolymer technology has the potential to reduce emissions by 80 per cent because high-temperature calcining is not needed.

The production of geopolymers also utilises fly ash, a waste product from power stations.

Using geopolymers in industrial flooring, piping or coatings could:

• help cut back on damage done through industrial spills
• improve long-term performance
• reduce capital or maintenance costs
• lower insurance costs.

Find out more about CSIRO's work in Building & Construction.