Composite
materials have become commonplace in the civil engineering community over the
past decade. Typically,
organic polymers are used as the matrix for binding the
high strength fibers and the composite to other
structural materials such as
concrete, brick, and wood. High
temperature resistance is one concern in using
organic matrices, especially for structures that could possibly be exposed to
fire. The results reported in this paper deal with the use of an inorganic
polymer matrix for both making composite plates and strength/stiffness
enhancement of structural materials. The room-temperature curing matrix, called
Geopolymer, can resist temperatures up to 1000°C. Several applications of this
polymer, including its use in strengthening reinforced concrete and wood beams,
as well as its performance after high-temperature exposure are summarized in
this paper.