Resistance of geopolymers to chemical aggression. Literature study

Geopolymers, or mineral polymers, are binders formed as a result of the alkaline activation of anthropogenic or natural minerals. Recently, they have attracted the attention of many scientists who justify the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during cement production by using other materials. The paper lists the materials used in the production of geopolymer binders, describes the geopolymerization process, and characterizes the method of corrosion of cement binders in relation to the results of research carried out on geopolymer binders. The main focus was on the resistance of geopolymers to chemical factors such as acids, sulphates, carbon dioxide and ammonium salts. Chloride penetration was indicated in the context of water absorption depending on the geopolymeric matrix microstructure. The results of the research on the reaction of alkali-silicate geopolymers are also described. Research presented mainly by foreign research units confirmed that geopolymer binders are characterized by much better properties than cement binders.