Barsoum’s Geopolymer Formula

This is a fantastic lead sent in by Derek, one of our readers. Dr. Barsoum, a material scientist from Drexil University in Philadelphia, gives his recipe for pyramid blocks in the following radio interview. After two years of scanning electron microscope studies, he came to the conclusion that Professor Davidovits recipe was not entirely accurate. Dr. Barsoum called Davidovits and asked him what else could work and Davidovits recommended diatomaceous earth. With this key bit of information, Barsoum now believes he has discovered the actual recipe used to construct the pyramids in Egypt.

Start with pool of water and then add:
Quicklime (widely available in stores, but you could make your own by heating limestone to 900 degrees C.)
Diatomaceous earth
Powdered/crushed limestone
Mix and wait a few days to allow water to evaporate

At this point the limestone ‘mud’ is placed in earthbags or wood forms. Dr. Barsoum says sand was not used because it does not dissolve and so it’s not part of the chemical ‘glue’ that binds the other materials together. (Although sand could be used as a filler like in the Conradius Geopolymer Formula.

It’s interesting to note that Dr. Barsoum almost gave up on his research because he said he didn’t want to be the one to “demystify the pyramids”. But he knows geopolymer produces 90% less carbon dioxide (a major contributor to global climate change) than cement and so he pressed on with his research. He also points out that this technology is very simple. After all, it’s been in use for 4,500 years. And since limestone is available all over the world, there’s now available an inexpensive ‘green cement’ that can be used for construction.

Source: http://www.materials.drexel.edu/pyramids/

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Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is usually white or off white

Dr. Barsoum believes diatomaceous was one of the key geopolymer ingredients that was used to construct the pyramids. Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite or kieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micrometre to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide, absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
In Colorado and in Clark, Nevada (USA), there are deposits that are up to several hundred metres thick in places. Sometimes kieselgur is found on the surface in deserts.

Safety warning: The absorbent qualities of diatomite can result in a significant drying of the hands if handled without gloves. The flux-calcined form (used in pool filters, etc.) contains a highly crystalline form of silica, resulting in sharp edges. The sharpness of this version of the material makes it dangerous to breathe and a dust mask is recommended when working with it. Natural or dried diatomite generally contains very low percentages of crystalline silica.
Source: Wikipedia

Domestic Production and Use: In 2010, domestic production of diatomite was estimated at 550,000 tons with an estimated processed value of $138 million, f.o.b. plant. Production occurred at 7 diatomite-producing companies with 12 mining areas and 9 processing facilities in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Diatomite is frequently used in filter aids, 55%; cement additives, 23%; absorbents, 10%; fillers, 9%; insulation, 2%; and less than 1% for other applications, including specialized pharmaceutical and biomedical uses. The unit value of diatomite varied widely in 2010, from less than $7.00 per ton for cement manufacture to more than $10,500 per ton for limited specialty markets, including art supplies, cosmetics, and DNA extraction. The average unit value for filter-grade diatomite was $380 per ton.
Source: USGS

Image source: Alibaba.com

From Teresa: Here’s the PDF report.

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