Geopolymers as functional materials
- research
Geopolymers are innovative inorganic materials that have attracted growing interest for their combination of sustainability, versatility, and high performance. Produced through the reaction of aluminosilicate sources with alkaline activators, they offer a promising alternative to conventional materials while enabling the use of industrial by-products and secondary raw materials. Their development is closely linked to the principles of green chemistry, waste management, and eco-design, making them an attractive solution for addressing current environmental and technological challenges.
Research at the Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics (ISSMC-CNR) focuses on the development of geopolymers as functional materials, investigating the relationships between composition, processing, structure, and performance. Current activities explore innovative approaches for tailoring material properties and expanding the potential of geopolymers from sustainable construction materials to advanced composites. Ongoing research highlights both the opportunities and the challenges associated with the design of high-performance, resource-efficient materials for a more sustainable future.
Speaker:
Dr. Annalisa Natali Murri is a researcher at the Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics (ISSMC) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), Italy, and served as lecturer in “Innovative Materials and Processes” at ISIA Faenza. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering and has a background in Civil Engineering, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges construction engineering and materials science.
Her research focuses on sustainable materials, including geopolymers, alkali-activated systems, circular economy approaches, and the valorization of industrial by-products and waste streams. She is involved in national and international research projects aimed at developing innovative and resource-efficient material solutions for environmental and industrial applications.