Performance and durability of Fe-rich inorganic polymer composites with basalt fibers

This chapter presents the results of the synthesis of inorganic polymers from an iron‐silicate slag, originating from non‐ferrous metallurgy, and potassium silicate solutions. The composite mixture had a solution/slag ratio of 0.3 and 3 wt.% of basalt fibers. Motivation for the selection of basalt fibers was provided by dissolution tests in comparison with E‐glass and carbon fiber. It was found that the liquid/solid ratio during the dissolution tests was much higher than in an inorganic polymer paste, enabling a larger extent and speed of dissolution. In the composite, the alkalinity dropped because of the dissolution of slag particles, making the environment less aggressive for the fibers. The rise in temperature and humidity enabled the remaining alkalis in the matrix to dissolve the basalt fibers. The attack of the fibers could be visually observed on the fracture surface of the tested samples, as no fibers were observed. The fibers in the inorganic polymer composite are less damaged than after exposure to the pure activating solution.

ISBN:9781119474746

Publication year:2018