Lithuania: Researchers at the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Kaunas have developed circular geopolymer mortars for fire-resistant applications using materials sourced as refuse from various industrial processes in place of cement. These included metakaolin, sourced from discarded raw kaolin from glass production; ceramic materials and corundum, used in abrasive and high-temperature manufacturing. Researchers found that ceramic materials and corundum produced mortars with the highest strength after exposure to 800°C heat, up to 53MPa, and only limited microcracking. This makes the mortars better-suited to use for passive fire protection in boilers, chimneys and reactors than conventional cement-based mortars. KTU now plans to file a patent application, with a view to advancing to real-world adoption.
The team has previously investigated the use of various circular alternative raw materials as feedstocks, including phosphogypsum and reeds.
