Objective
Foreseen Results
The research project will consist of three main phases, Phase I - Evaluation of Geological Data, Rock Sampling and Mapping, Phase II - Materials Characterization, Phase III - Implementation of Research Results. The results of this project will yield new and improved materials for the EU and the Eastern European countries construction industries.
In the last quarter of this century, the usage of amorphous silica and aluminosilicates in the industry has been drastically increased This is due not only to their lower than the traditional materials cost,but also to the very broad spectrum of possible applications (chemicals, filters, fillers, high-tech ceramics, construction materials, environmental protection, etc.).
In the proposed project, three different materials of the groups above, namely diatomite, vermiculite and zeolites will be studied.
Diatomite's highly porous structure makes it a poor heat conductor and therefore a good insulator. Diatomite admixtures in concrete can eliminate excess water, improve water tightness and strength by promoting a more uniform distribution of voids in the mixture,and yield an improved finished surface. Diatomaceous rocks could be used as pozzolanic additives in cement.This type of cement may improve the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Calcareous diatomite is an innovative raw material that could be used for the production of synthetic wollastonite.
By using zeolitic rocks as a cement additive, high compressive strength concrete is likely to be produced. Zeolites are expected to improve the workability and durability of the cement.
Vermiculite products are applied to the production of lightweight aggregates and insulation materials. Several deposits of the raw materials above exist in Romania, Hungary and Greece. Most of them are large in size, but have not been studied in detail or exploited on a large scale.
The deliverables of the project are the following:
Definition of generic models of the diatomite, zeolite & vermiculite deposits of commercial grade in the above mentioned countries.
Identification of diatomite deposits that are suitable for industrial applications.
Identification of industrially suitable type of zeolites which will be used as a cement additive to improve the quality of the final products.
Identification of vermiculite deposits that are suitable for the production of lightweight aggregates.
Production of high performance concrete for special construction applications.
Production of synthetic wollastonite which will be used in the construction industry, in metallurgy and as an asbestos substitute.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
15784 ZOGRAPHOS, ATHENS
Greece