From clays and clay minerals to geopolymers: Looking to the future

Preface:...The collection of manuscripts seeks to provide insight into the possible use of clay minerals and alternative starting raw materials for the synthesis of geopolymers, as well as papers focusing on innovative applications. In recent decades, in fact, the applications of geopolymers have multiplied, including adsorbents and filters for the removal of pollutants; catalysts; thermal and acoustic insulators; fire-resistant and refractory materials; fiber-reinforced composites for construction and transports; high-tech resins, etc.… Furthermore, research activities are increasingly moving towards the identification of alternative raw materials, in particular waste/secondary materials, as well as new processes for consolidation and shaping, or the production of composites (functionalization and related properties).