Geopolymer Cement and Concrete

Dear Friends....

International Workshop on Geopolymer Cement and Concrete held at Annamalai university today (07.12.10).

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.M.Ramanathan, Vice-Chancelor, Annamalai University and Prof.B.Palaniappan, Dean, FEAT.

The Chief Guests are
1.Prof.Dr.Joseph Davidovits, The father of geopolymer from Geopolymer Institute, France. 2.Dr.B.Vijayarangan, Emeritus Professor, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
3.Dr.P.Paramasivam, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Prof.Davidovits delivered his lecture on "geopolymer cement". In his lecture he clearly explained what is geopolymer, the methods of developing geopolymer, applications of geopolymer in various fields and geopolymer cement. He gave some explicit definitions for some technical terms. He had said that the "alkali-activation" is wrong acronym and explained the reason. We got very good information from his lecture. And he presented a copy of the book "Geopolymer Chemistry & Application" authored by himself to the library.

Prof.B.Vijayarangan delivered his lecture on "Fly-ash based geopolymer concrete". In his lecture he explained the procedure of making geopolymer concrete with flyash and sodium hydroxide+sodium silicate. By the method prescribed by Dr.Rangan the faculties of civil & structural engineering developed the geopolymer concrete. In subsequent practical session they have shown the process of making geopolymer concrete without the use of portland cement.

In valedictory function Dr.M.Rathinasabapathi, Registrar, Annamalai University delivered the valedictory address. And Dr.S.Balasubramaniam, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences offered his felicitation. In his speech he said "why not we develop this geopolymer into geo-bio-polymer". He invited people to do research in this aspect. Dr.Davidovits expressed two important points on his felicitation. First thing  he said that a good invention is one which will give way for further developments. Second thing is to not copy his research. He asked the gathering to develope the level of achievement in geopolymer and to do beyond his invention. Dr.C.Antony Jeyasehar, Prof and Head, Dept of civil & structural engineering delivered welcome note. And Dr.S.Thirugnanasambandam delivered vote of thanks.

The delegates came from various parts of our country as well as from abroad especially from Saudi Arabia and Czech Republic.

To visit geopolymer institute's homepage click here.
To know about Dr.Davidovits click here.