Applications of natural zeolite to construction and building materials in China

As a main rock mineral, natural zeolite consists of a family of frame-structured alumino-silicate hydrates. This paper presents several research results in China on carrier effect of zeolite, including both an ion-exchange function and an adsorption function, that can be used in the manufacturing of new construction's products as well as building materials. These products have been successfully applied to overcome some construction difficulties in engineering practice. In the last a few years, two industrial codes (“Technical specifications of application of natural zeolite powder in concrete and mortar (JGJ/T 112-97)” and “Natural zeolite powder used in concrete and mortar (JG/T 3048-1998)”) have been drafted and approved by China Standard Association for construction practice in China. Presently, the annual amount of natural zeolite consumed in the China's constructions industry is over 30 million tons.