Collaborative Research: Geopolymeric Nanocomposite, A Next Generation Material For Infrastructure Sustainability

本研究的主要目的是开发一种廉价，生态友好，高性能，水泥类建筑材料？地聚合物混合复合材料通过纳米工程的飞灰颗粒。这种新材料由粉煤灰基地质聚合物基质和碳纳米管（CNT）组成。为了避免碳纳米管难以分散的问题，采用微波辐射法在粉煤灰表面直接生长碳纳米管。通过这种方法生产的CNT的成本估计比任何其他现有方法低得多。将使用先进的分析仪器进行全面的测试计划，以检查纳米管和地质聚合物基质之间的相互作用，反应动力学以及新材料的多功能性。这项研究将通过亚拉巴马的两所主要研究型大学亚拉巴马大学和奥本大学的密切合作进行。 奥本大学将重点发展微波辐照法。亚拉巴马大学将制造和表征拟议的新材料。拟议的工作，如果成功，将产生重大的社会，经济和环境效益。这种新型的绿色材料符合可持续建筑材料的要求，具有低二氧化碳排放、长寿命和高效节能的特点。 PI还提出了一项积极的教育计划，旨在补充研究活动，重点是招募传统上代表性不足的（女性，少数民族和/或社会经济弱势）学生的多样化群体，与亚拉巴马和ALEPSCoR的HBCU密切合作，参与拟议的活动。将广泛传播拟议研究的结果。

The major objective of this study is to develop an inexpensive, ecologically sound, high-performance, cementlike construction material ?geopolymeric hybrid composite through nanoengineering the fly ash particles. This new material consists of fly ash based geopolymer matrix and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To avoid the difficulty of dispersing CNTs, CNTs will be directly grown on the surfaces of fly ash using a novel microwave irradiation method. The cost of CNTs produced by this method is estimated much lower than any other existing methods. A comprehensive testing plan using advanced analytical instruments will be carried out to exam the interaction between nanotubes and the geopolymeric matrix, the reaction kinetics, and the multi-functionality of the new material. This research will be conducted through the close collaboration between two major research universities in Alabama, the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Auburn University will focus on the development of microwave irradiation method. The University of Alabama will manufacture and characterize the proposed new materials.The proposed work, if succeeds, will generate significant social, economic and environmental benefits. This novel green material meets the requirements of sustainable construction materials with low carbon dioxide emission, long service-life and efficient energy consumption. PIs also propose an aggressive educational plan designed to be complementary to the research activities with focus on recruiting a diverse group of traditionally underrepresented (female, minority and/or socio-economically disadvantaged) students to participate in the proposed activities in close collaboration with HBCUs in Alabama and ALEPSCoR. Results of the proposed research will be widely disseminated.