Executive Summary : | Objective: The proposed work aims at developing a robust approach in order to develop a process for novel hybrid geopolymers that show high compatibility between the organic and inorganic phases and are either fire resistant or atleast provide protection with a minimum weight penalty.In the proposed project, the compressive strength of the final geopolymers is targeted to be >15MPa, with a density of <1500kg/m3. The hybrid geopolymers would be subjected to fire tests and the performance of the materials would be validated. Material is targeted to withstand a heat flux of 50 kW/m2. Summary: Significant advantages can be achieved by identifying a material system that is lightweight, fire resistant and has sufficient strength for use in tactical shelters and other structures as well as in aerospace and other transport sectors. In hybrid materials, basically two moieties are blended on the molecular scale where, usually one is inorganic and other organic in nature. Formation of inorganic-organic hybrid materials is primarily an interface controlled process. The determining factor of such hybrids lies in the chemical compatibility between the two. Thus, the organic phase has to be chosen such that it has a strong interaction with the inorganic matrix e.g. the selection of an organic moiety containing a functional group like tri-alkoxysilane allows its attachment to an inorganic alumino-silicate network. Most commonly, synthetic epoxy resins are used as the organic phase. Epoxy resins maybe reacted (cross-linked) with a wide range of hardeners/curing agents like polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols and alcohols, depending upon the final required property. The curing agent thus needs to be chosen accordingly, e.g. to improve the thermal stability, aromatic amines are used. Henceforth, novel hybrid geopolymer will be developed where its properties are not just the result of the individual properties of its components but will depend upon the scale of the interaction between the two so as to deliver the intended properties without sacrificing the mechanical properties of the reference (only inorganic based) geopolymers. |