Utilisation of FeNi-Slag for the Production of Inorganic Polymeric Materials for Construction or for Passive Fire Protection

This paper deals with the utilisation of ferronickel slag for the production of inorganic polymeric materials, with advanced mechanical or thermal properties, intended either for construction or for passive fire protection respectively. Initially, the development of Fe-Ni slag-based geopolymers, achieving high compressive strength and low water absorption, is described, and the produced materials are compared with some common construction and building materials. Secondly, the development of two fire resistant geopolymer materials is described. Their mechanical strength and thermal conductivity were measured, and the materials were tested for their resistance under high temperatures according to a standardized fire resistance test, by employing two different thermal loading curves. The fire resistant geopolymers were shown to comply with the test criteria concerning the temperature in the unexposed face of the specimen, the structural integrity and the concrete protection from mechanical damages. They also achieved similar or even better mechanical strength and thermal conductivity compared with the commercially available fire resistant materials.