Ductile ceramic-like materials by inorganic polymerization

•Synthesis of ceramic-like materials by inorganic polymerization.•Optimization of mix compositions.•High ductility of inorganic cement.

This brief communication is to report the unusual ductile behavior of ceramic-like materials that were synthesized by inorganic polymerization at room temperature, a process that is similar to organic polymerization. In this process, mix compositions play a critical role in achieving high ductility, which is measured by the ultimate strain capacity under compressive loadings. Such high ductility is postulated to result from chain slippage and uncoiling, similar to that in organic polymers.