Compositi Geopolimerici ottenuti tramite sinterizzazione a freddo per applicazioni avanzate

Geopolymers are a class of materials that have been extensively researched on last years. The reason why these materials are so attractive is because they represent an eco-friendly substitute for binders such as cements and resins. On the present work, geopolymers have been used as a binder phase to develop a new technology for friction materials: ecological composites for brake pads. The technology developed for using geopolymer in a production line of brake pads is explained. Cold sintering, a low-temperature / pressure process was applied and validated in pure geopolymer powders. The technology was transferred to the prototyping line in ITT italia (Barge) and used to manufacture and test geopolymer-based brake pads. Influences of the activating ion, sodium or potassium, generated different binders with interesting characteristics and properties, and the thesis explains the difference between the two systems. The technique of rewetting geopolymer with water and hydrated salts was explored and applied to the manufacture of brake pads.