US-Egypt Cooperative Research: Geopolymer Concrete

该奖项是为了支持宾夕法尼亚州立大学材料研究实验室的R.I.A. Malek博士和两位埃及研究人员的合作项目：Helwan大学化学系的Hanaa Y. Ghorab博士和Zagazig大学工程学院的Assem K. Abdelalim博士。本研究的主要目的是扩展现有知识，有助于对碱活化铝硅酸盐粘合剂（地聚合物）的反应过程、微观结构演变和微观结构-性能关系的基本理解。另一个目标是探索古代迫击炮的详细结构特征，埃及提供了一个独特的考古遗址，并利用角度旋转核磁共振提供可靠的科学知识。研究范围：本项目将有助于促进对地聚合物粘结剂的科学认识，并提供对旧地聚合物的新认识。它涉及美国和埃及的科学家，他们在材料科学、化学和工程方面具有互补的专业知识，并且在三所参与的大学拥有互补的领域和实验室设施。该项目还将涉及一名美国研究生，他将有机会获得国际经验，这将有助于他/她的职业生涯。这项提案符合国际原子能机构在有利于双方的领域增加美国与外国合作的目标，并增强青年科学家的国际经验。该奖项包括由土木和机械系统部门提供的部分资金。

Description: This award is for support of a cooperative project by Dr. R.I.A. Malek of the Materials Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University and two Egyptian researchers: Dr. Hanaa Y. Ghorab of the Chemistry Department at Helwan University, and Dr. Assem K. Abdelalim of the Faculty of Engineering at Zagazig University. The main objective of this research is to expand upon the existing knowledge contributing to the fundamental understanding of the reaction process, microstructural evolution and microstructure-property relationships of the alkali-activated aluminosilicate binders (geopolymers). Another objective is to explore the detailed structural characteristics of the ancient mortars, where Egypt provides a unique archeological site, and to provide sound scientific knowledge using angle spinning NMR. Scope: This research project will be useful in promoting the scientific knowledge on geopolymeric binders, and in providing new knowledge on old geopolymers. It involves US and Egyptian scientists with complementary expertise in material sciences, chemistry and engineering, as well as complementary field and laboratory facilities at the three participating universities. The project will also involve a US graduate student who will have access to an international experience that should help in his/her career. This proposal meets INT objective of increasing U.S.-foreign collaboration in areas that benefit both sides, and in enhancing junior scientists' international experience. This award includes partial funding by the Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems.