Metal Casting Zone

Hi there,

I wanted to mention a project I am working on to all of you. Perhaps some here have some experience with it. This project relates to the making of geopolymers...

Geopolymerzation is a method of making refractory pieces from cheap/local materials. It is very similar to sodium silicate or collodial silica, except that it cures to be water insoluble and acid resistant. Instead of using calcium salts or CO2 to cure the sodium silicate, GP uses alumina and alumina silicates. So, it is much stronger than Silicate cured with CO2 and can withstand higher temperatures.

GP can be foamed to make refractory insulation.

Right now, GP is pretty much non-existent in the DIY world. I hope to be able to generate more information that is accessible to those who are interested.

check out my site:
www.permafacture.org/geopolymer.html

And a page geared towards funding the project:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/410996349/making-geopolymer-technology-accessible

thanks!

-elliot

Elliot,
This info is very interesting and looks promising. What kind of max temps do you think it will take. If it can withstand heat stress I think it would be good for furnaces, crucibles, and ovens, especially when you talk about foaming it for insulation. If it can be made into a thin slurry it might work for ceramic shell investment. I'll be watching for more info and videos.

Welcome to the forum!

very interesting keep us posted! could it be molded like plaster??

GP can take high temperatures. 1200C is often quoted, but I have heard of GP pieces used in steel and iron working and withstanding 1400C.

GP is a fickle thing. A reaction that takes place in a colloidal mixture. I am not familiar with plaster, but I hope to find techniques for a broad range of viscosities and plascticities. Right now, maple syrup consistency has been the most successful. But I have much to do still.

-elliot