The Geopolymer Lab is used by Undergraduate and Graduate students to develop alternative construction materials. Students explore the interactions among industrial by-products, alkali activators, microfibers and polymers to create ceramic-like materials with properties superior to ordinary Portland Cement. Some examples of the materials obtained in this lab include high compressive strength cement, fire resistant concretes and ceramics with enhanced ductility. This lab is managed by Dr. Benjamin Varela.

Equipment

• Hobart Mixer
• Heated Plate Press
• High Temperature Furnace
• Convection Oven
• Vacuum Chamber

Support for this lab is provide by:

• Air Force Office of Scientific Research
• NYCO Minerals
• Manitou Concrete
• Grace Construction products
• Center for Layered Polymeric Structures