Other potential applications for alkali-activated materials

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is the discussion of a variety of niche applications (other than as a large-scale civil infrastructure material) in which alkali-activated binders and concretes have shown potential for commercial-scale development. The majority of these applications have not yet seen large-scale AAM utilisation, except as noted in the various sections of the chapter. However, there have been at least pilot-scale or demonstration projects in each of the areas listed, and each provides scope for future development and potentially profitable advances in science and technology. In addition to the applications specifically discussed in this chapter, there are also commercial and academic developments in alkali-activation for specific applications including a commercial product which is being marketed as a domestic tiling grout showing some self-cleaning properties [1], as well as alkali-activated metakaolin binders as a vehicle for controlled-release drug delivery [2, 3]. Although undoubtedly promising and of commercial interest, these are rather specialised applications, and so the focus of this chapter is instead on broader categories of research and development rather than in providing detailed analysis of specific products. The areas to be discussed will include lightweight materials, well cements, fire-resistant materials, and fibre-reinforced composites.