The main objective of this study is the synthesis and characterization of low cost alkali-activated inorganic polymers based on waste glass (G-AAIPs) using a mixture of NaOH and Ca(OH)2 as alkali activators, in order to improve their hydrolytic stability. This paper also presents detailed information about the influence of composition determined by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), microstructure determined by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and processing parameters on the main properties of G-AAIP pastes. The main factors analyzed were the glass fineness and the composition of the alkaline activators. The influence on intumescent behavior was also studied by heat treating of specimens at 600 °C and 800 °C. The use of Ca(OH)2 in the composition of the alkaline activator determines the increase of the hydrolytic stability (evaluated by underwater evolution index) of the G-AAIP materials compared to those obtained by NaOH activation. In this case, along with sodium silicate hydrates, calcium silicates hydrates (C-S-H), with good stability in a humid environment, were also formed in the hardened pastes. The highest intumescence and an improvement of hydrolytic stability (evaluated by underwater evolution index and mass loss) was achieved for the waste glass powder activated with a solution containing 70% NaOH and 30% Ca(OH)2. The increase of the waste glass fineness and initial curing temperature of G-AAIPs have a positive effect on the intumescence of resulted materials but have a reduced influence on their mechanical properties and hydrolytic stability.
Keywords: alkali activator; binders; fire protection; humidity; inorganic polymers; intumescent materials.