Methods of forming synthetic aluminosilicate material are disclosed. Exemplary methods include forming a polymer solution, adding an aluminum precursor to the polymer solution, adding a silicon precursor to the polymer solution, forming a gel from the polymer solution, calcining the gel to form an aluminosilicate powder, and grinding the aluminosilicate powder to form ground aluminosilicate material. The synthetic aluminosilicate material can be used in the formation of cement and concrete.

Methods of forming synthetic aluminosilicate material are disclosed. Exemplary methods include forming a polymer solution, adding an aluminum precursor to the polymer solution, adding a silicon precursor to the polymer solution, forming a gel from the polymer solution, calcining the gel to form an aluminosilicate powder, and grinding the aluminosilicate powder to form ground aluminosilicate material. The synthetic aluminosilicate material can be used in the formation of cement and concrete.

Methods of cementing include providing a geopolymer cement composition that includes a monophase amorphous hydraulic binder material (MAHBM), a metal silicate, an alkaline activator, and a carrier fluid, introducing the geopolymer cement composition into a subterranean formation, and allowing the geopolymer cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. The MAHBM includes silica or alumina core particulates coated with an amorphous calcium silicate hydrate.

Methods of cementing include providing a geopolymer cement composition that includes a monophase amorphous hydraulic binder material (MAHBM), a metal silicate, an alkaline activator, and a carrier fluid, introducing the geopolymer cement composition into a subterranean formation, and allowing the geopolymer cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. The MAHBM includes silica or alumina core particulates coated with an amorphous calcium silicate hydrate.

Disclosed are: damage-resistant ECMCs that need to work and remain elastic between minus 120° C. and positive 300° C.; ECMCs that need to be able to contain a flame of 1900° C. for more than 90 minutes; and composite structures, especially highly stressed structures. One of the characteristic problems of ceramic matrices is their fragility. Indeed, when a fracture starts, it propagates easily in the matrix. Disclosed are elastic ceramic matrix composites (ECMCs), for which: the ceramic matrix is split into solid “ceramic microdomains” (CMDs); the CMDs are connected to one another by a dense network of “elastic microelements” (EMEs); and the bonds between the EMEs and the CMDs are strong chemical bonds, preferably covalent.

Disclosed are: damage-resistant ECMCs that need to work and remain elastic between minus 120° C. and positive 300° C.; ECMCs that need to be able to contain a flame of 1900° C. for more than 90 minutes; and composite structures, especially highly stressed structures. One of the characteristic problems of ceramic matrices is their fragility. Indeed, when a fracture starts, it propagates easily in the matrix. Disclosed are elastic ceramic matrix composites (ECMCs), for which: the ceramic matrix is split into solid “ceramic microdomains” (CMDs); the CMDs are connected to one another by a dense network of “elastic microelements” (EMEs); and the bonds between the EMEs and the CMDs are strong chemical bonds, preferably covalent.

A light weight geopolymer concrete, having a specific gravity less than 2.0, more typically between 1 and 1.3, is provided that has compressive strength comparable to or greater than ordinary Portland concrete. The light weight geopolymer concrete has low shrinkage, expansion, and cracking, and substantially no loss of compressive strength when exposed to high temperatures of 800° C. or greater, as would occur in a fire. To be useful as a load bearing member for general applications, such as residential housing, the compressive strength of the light-weight geopolymer concrete should be at least 10 MPa, preferably greater than 12 MPa, for example greater than 15 MPa. For more demanding uses, the compressive strength should be near or at the compressive strength of concrete, that is, greater than 20 MPa, preferably greater than 30 MPa, and optimally greater than 35 MPa. To be useful during and after a fire, the strength must not be reduced by more than 20%, preferably not less than 10%, optimally not reduced at all when exposed to heat up to 800° C. Embodiments of the invention include low-density high-temperature-resistant geopolymer concrete which increases load bearing strength when exposed to temperatures above 400° C., preferably at 800° C. Key constituents for forming most embodiments include a geopolymer source such as fly ash, a cement-coated expanded vermiculite, a fiber such as wollastonite, and soluble silicates such as alkali silicates.

A light weight geopolymer concrete, having a specific gravity less than 2.0, more typically between 1 and 1.3, is provided that has compressive strength comparable to or greater than ordinary Portland concrete. The light weight geopolymer concrete has low shrinkage, expansion, and cracking, and substantially no loss of compressive strength when exposed to high temperatures of 800° C. or greater, as would occur in a fire. To be useful as a load bearing member for general applications, such as residential housing, the compressive strength of the light-weight geopolymer concrete should be at least 10 MPa, preferably greater than 12 MPa, for example greater than 15 MPa. For more demanding uses, the compressive strength should be near or at the compressive strength of concrete, that is, greater than 20 MPa, preferably greater than 30 MPa, and optimally greater than 35 MPa. To be useful during and after a fire, the strength must not be reduced by more than 20%, preferably not less than 10%, optimally not reduced at all when exposed to heat up to 800° C. Embodiments of the invention include low-density high-temperature-resistant geopolymer concrete which increases load bearing strength when exposed to temperatures above 400° C., preferably at 800° C. Key constituents for forming most embodiments include a geopolymer source such as fly ash, a cement-coated expanded vermiculite, a fiber such as wollastonite, and soluble silicates such as alkali silicates.

Acid-resistant composite materials and methods of forming acid resistant composite materials are disclosed. The acid resistant composite materials can include one or more monovalent, divalent, or polyvalent cationic metals. The acid resistant composite materials can be used, for example, in the formation of concreate or as a coating for concrete.

Acid-resistant composite materials and methods of forming acid resistant composite materials are disclosed. The acid resistant composite materials can include one or more monovalent, divalent, or polyvalent cationic metals. The acid resistant composite materials can be used, for example, in the formation of concreate or as a coating for concrete.