Synthesis and characterization of inorganic polymers from the alkali activation of an aluminosilicate

This paper presents the results of the synthesis and characterization of inorganic polymers (IP) from aluminosilicates: bentonite (BT) and pumice (PP). The synthesis of IP, was carried out by two methods involving alkaline activation, at room temperature and 80 ± 5 °C, using as activating agent sodium silicate both commercial and analytical (Na_2SiO3). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 3 M, 7 M and 12 M was added. A lower degree of polymerization was obtained by using analytical precursors subjected to room temperature and 80 ± 5°C. Replacement of heating by the use of the commercial activating agent with greater alkalinity allows the formation of a 3D network. The materials were structurally characterized by FTIR spectroscopy with Attenuated Reflectance (ATR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X -ray diffraction (DRX).