Due to the light weight of zeolite , natural zeolite minerals have been used as building materials for hundreds of years. Currently, zeolite is a new type of environmentally friendly material, and the industry has discovered the benefits of using high-quality/purity zeolite to produce value-added products. Its advantages are not limited to cement production, but also apply to concrete, mortar, grouting, paint, plaster, asphalt, ceramics, coatings and adhesives.
1. Cement, concrete and construction
Natural zeolite mineral is a kind of pozzolanic material. According to the European standard EN197-1, pozzolanic materials are classified as one of the main components of cement. “Pozzolanic materials will not harden when mixed with water, but when finely ground and in the presence of water, they react with Ca(OH)2 at normal ambient temperature to form strength development Calcium silicate and calcium aluminate compounds. These compounds are similar to the compounds formed during the hardening of hydraulic materials. Pozzolans are mainly composed of SiO2 and Al2O3, and the rest contains Fe2O3 and other oxides. The proportion of active calcium oxide used for hardening can be ignored. The content of active silica should not be less than 25.0% (mass).”
The pozzolanic properties and high silica content of zeolite improve the performance of cement. Zeolite acts as a stabilizer to increase viscosity, achieve better operation and stability, and reduce alkali-silica reaction. Zeolite can enhance the hardness of concrete and prevent the formation of cracks. It is a substitute for traditional Portland cement and is used to produce sulfate-resistant Portland cement.
It is a natural preservative. In addition to sulfate and corrosion resistance, zeolite can also reduce the chromium content in cement and concrete, improve chemical resistance in salt water applications and resist underwater corrosion. By using zeolite, the amount of cement added can be reduced without losing strength. It helps to reduce production costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the production process
2. Dyestuffs, coatings and adhesives
Ecological dyes, paints and adhesives are becoming more and more popular every day. Natural zeolite minerals are one of the preferred additives for these ecological products. Adding zeolite can provide environmentally friendly products and provide a healthier and safer environment. Due to its high cation exchange capacity, zeolite-clinoptilolite can easily eliminate odors and improve the air quality in the environment. Zeolite has a high affinity for odors, and can absorb many unpleasant gases, odors and odors, such as: cigarettes, frying oil, rotten food, ammonia, sewage gas, etc.
Zeolite is a natural desiccant. Its highly porous structure allows it to absorb up to 50% by weight of water. Products containing zeolite additives have high mold resistance. Zeolite prevents the formation of mold and bacteria. It improves the quality of the microenvironment and air.
3. Asphalt
Zeolite is a hydrated aluminosilicate with a highly porous structure. It is easily hydrated and dehydrated. It has several advantages for warm-mix asphalt at high temperatures: the addition of zeolite reduces the temperature required for asphalt paving; the asphalt mixed with zeolite shows the required higher stability and higher strength at lower temperatures ; Save energy by reducing the temperature required for production; reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the production process; eliminate odors, vapors and aerosols.
In short, zeolite has a highly porous structure and cation exchange capacity, and can be used in ceramics, bricks, insulators, flooring and coating materials. As a catalyst, zeolite can increase the strength, flexibility and elasticity of the product, and can also act as a barrier for heat and sound insulation.