**Author details**

PYRAMENT blended cement has been adapted in civil engineering in the production of pre-

Besides, geopolymers have been used to produce high-quality brick and tiles. Previously, kaolinite geopolymers are formed through low-temperature geopolymeric setting (L.T.G.S.) followed by ultra-rapid fire at 1000–1200°C to form bricks and tiles [4]. Up to now, this similar method has still being investigated by several researchers [91]. The geopolymer ceramics are non-burning and fire resistant. Furthermore, a new development of ceramic materials is compressing geopolymer powder using powder metallurgy method followed by sintering at

In 1994, fireproof geopolymer fiber-reinforced composites have been used for aviation applications as aircraft composites and cabin interiors (floor panels, sidewalls, ceiling and partitions) to eliminate cabin fire during the aircraft accidents. The idea was arised from the problem of the existing plastic materials that were combustible and emitted flammable gases when they burnt. Besides, geopolymers have been used by Formula One teams in car manu-

Concern toward lightweight materials for easy transportation and less energy consumption has led to lightweight concrete materials from geopolymers in civil engineering [93]. Furthermore, the lightweight concrete facilitates structural loading bearing and acts as thermal insulator [94]. Studies on foamed geopolymers in thermal insulation materials for housing construction have also been studied [95]. Zhang et al. [96] made reflective and heat insulative coating from geopolymers. With the addition of pigments and fillers (such as hollow glass microspheres, talc powder and titanium dioxide), wetting agent, dispersing agent and water-retaining agent, the coating produced has 90% reflectivity and thermal insulation performance up to 24°C. Apart from thermal insulative properties, the synthesis of geopolymer for acoustic insulation has been reported by Hung et al. [97]. Geopolymers can adequately and potentially become sound insulating materials in construction and buildings. The density

In addition, according to Temuujin et al. [98], geopolymers are capable of anti-ultraviolet and antiaging, which made them suitable as coating for exterior wall building to conserve energy. The studies on the thermal and fire performance of geopolymers have also been reported elsewhere [81, 99–101]. As mentioned earlier, geopolymers have molecular structures to resemble zeolitic materials. As such, they are able to immobilize toxic waste or heavy metals as they can absorb and

Porous geopolymers were prepared by Okada et al. [89] for use in cooling system. This idea was come about due to high water retention properties or slow water releasing properties of geopolymers. This makes geopolymers suitable for surface cooling by water evaporation that helps to curb the rising earth temperature due to human activities and country development. Potential use of geopolymer in infrastructure rehabilitation was suggested by Pacheco-Torgal et al. [103]. Geopolymer paste can function as sealer for structures and replaced epoxy adhesives in fiber-reinforced polymer retrofiting. Almost similar research was carried out by Geraldes et al. [104], whereby geopolymers are used as restoration materials for tiles. In

solidify toxic chemical waste. This is beneficial to the immobilization technology [84, 102].

stressed and precast concrete [90].

facturing due to its corrosive, fire and heat resistance [4].

of geopolymer matrix affects the noise reduction coefficient.

1000–1200°C [92].

256 Cement Based Materials

Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah\*, Liew Yun Ming, Heah Cheng Yong and Muhammad Faheem Mohd Tahir

\*Address all correspondence to: mustafa\_albakri@unimap.edu.my

Center of Excellence Geopolymer & Green Technology, School of Materials Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
