Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete

(Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete)

synthetic foaming agent for concrete is a chemical admixture used to produce foamed concrete. The admixture is a hydrophilic solution that forms air bubbles. It has the ability to reduce surface tension and increase the stability of air bubbles.

The polymer based synthetic foaming agents are amphiprotic substances that are strongly hydrophilic and easily dissolve in water to yield air bubbles. However, the compatibility of a synthetic foaming agent with the concrete is critical to entrain the desired air content and microstructure.

A comparative study was performed on the basic foaming behavior of two synthetic surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and non-ionic polyethylene terpolymer (NPE) using compressed air method for production of foam concrete. The results showed that NPE had higher initial foam density and relatively lesser early drainage when compared to SLS.

Moreover, NPE had less shrinkage and deformation compared to SLS. Hence, it is recommended to use NPE in foamed concrete.

Foaming agent dilution ratio has a major effect on the properties of foamed concrete. The optimum dilution ratio is 1:60.

In a study, thirteen mix designs of cellular concrete with 6-35% air were prepared and tested. The compressive strength of cellular concrete was measured after hardening by means of standard cubes as per PN-EN 12390-7:2011. The results of the study revealed that the protein-based foamed concrete had smaller isolated spherical air bubbles. This may lead to over 80% higher compressive strength than foamed concrete based on synthetic foam.

(Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete)