Ceramicrete~R as a Binder for Fibers and Particles

摘要

A chemically bonded phosphate binder called Ceramicrete is currently being used to stabilize and isolate radioactive wastes in a matrix of essentially impermeable ceramic material. Due to its desirable properties as a binder, Ceramicrete's applications are now being extended to benign waste encapsulation, oil-well cementing operations, and as a replacement for high-strength concrete in the construction industry. One goal of our research is to produce light-weight wood-Ceramicrete and polystyrene-Ceramicrete composites with structural and insulating properties comparable to traditional building materials, and at a competitive price. Our efforts are motivated by the need for economical uses for small-stem timber crowding forests across the Western US. Thinning of small-diameter trees (< 12 in.) is a vital prescription for forest health and wildfire prevention. A value-added product that can use "waste" from thinning procedures must undergird future forest management techniques seeking sustainability and economic enrichment of local communities. Ceramicrete is solidified through a room-temperature acid-base reaction between the common, low-cost materials magnesium oxide, monopotassium phosphate, and water. Particles mixed with the binder are encapsulated by an impermeable ceramic layer which provides resistance to fire, humidity, chemicals, and weathering. Initial experiments incorporated sawdust and small wood particles into the Ceramicrete, with wood-to-binder weight percent ratios between 50:50 and 70:30. After molding, the end products are fireproof, structurally competent, light weight ( ρ = 1.0 to 1.3 g/cc), and can be nailed, screwed, or drilled. The binder materials are non-toxic, and forest waste in particular does not need to be dried before mixing, thus preventing the release of volatile organic compounds or fine particulates to the atmosphere ― common problems in the manufacture of particle board. Further research investigating particle-binder ratios, better methods of wood or polystyrene comminution, the effects of particle dimensions on strength and fabrication, molding pressures, and end-product dimensions are needed before industry-grade products will be available, but the potential is strong for a successful range of products.