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Phosphate-based geopolymers: a critical review

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Abstract

Phosphate-based geopolymers stand for a new kind of geopolymers which has recently whetted much interest among both researchers and industrials. They are obtained through the reaction between an aluminosilicate precursor and a phosphate solution, mainly the phosphoric acid one. There has not been yet an agreement on the structure and the formation mechanism of this material. However, most of researchers have admitted that phosphate-based geopolymers present a composite structure which is formed by an aluminum phosphate phase dispersed in a geopolymeric network based on (Si–O–Al–O–P) units. The presence of some (Si–O–P) units in the terminal chains of the Si layer is also confirmed. Concerning the corresponding formation mechanism, it was proved generally that it is based on different steps, the most important of which are dealumination, condensation and polycondensation. Phosphate-based geopolymers formation kinetics started also to draw the attention and has been subjected to investigation. It was proved that this kinetics was controlled mostly by the curing temperature factor. In fact, the increase in this factor yields to acceleration in the speed of geopolymerization. Furthermore, previous state-of-the-art works demonstrate that phosphate-based geopolymers are characterized by outstanding properties like the excellent mechanical strength, the good dielectricity and the exceptional thermal stability. These properties are influenced by several factors. Among the most prominent ones, we can note the acidic concentration, the curing temperature and the properties of the aluminosilicate precursor. In order to ameliorate some material properties, prior researches discuss the addition of new compounds in the elaboration of geopolymers. In this context, we state the use of foaming agent to increase porosity, the use of some alkali metals solid as setting agents, the replacement of the classical phosphoric acid solution or the familiar aluminosilicate precursors by new relevant ones and the use of reinforcement to elaborate composites geopolymers. Finally, phosphate-based geopolymers are proved to be suitable for several applications. They can be used as inorganic foams, structural cements, thermal insulating materials, fertilizers and also as biomaterials.

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  1. Laboratoire des matériaux avancés, National School of Engineers of Sfax, University of Sfax, BP.W3038, Sfax, Tunisia

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Zribi, M., Baklouti, S. Phosphate-based geopolymers: a critical review. Polym. Bull. 79, 6827–6855 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-021-03829-0

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