Inorganic Composite Materials Chemistry and Technology Group

The following research is carried out.

The group has studied the production of composite facing, thermal and structural, and thermal-insulating materials from the waste of Armenian aluminosilicate rocks (tuff, perlite, zeolite, basalt, slag) by means of microwave synthesis, which has significant advantages compared with traditional thermal-treatment methods.

The compositions of the samples have been developed and optimal heat-treatment regimes have been determined depending on the type of rocks and processed materials.

Thermal treatment was carried out in an MWA 268 BL household microwave furnace in the power range from 90 to 1200 W. Volumetric heating characteristic of microwave synthesis made it possible to obtain materials with uniform porosity and structure, substantially reduce thermal-treatment time, and save energy, contributing to improved product quality and competitiveness.

Radiation-protective facing materials for buildings and structures are also being developed using waste from metallic and non-metallic mines in Armenia. All components used are of local origin.

Further work is planned in the following direction: since the materials being developed contain a cement component that has a negative effect on the environment, the subsequent research direction—development of geopolymers—has been chosen to exclude the use of cement.

The group also develops radiation-protective building materials using waste from metallic and non-metallic raw materials.