Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete

(Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete)

synthetic foaming agent for concrete

Synthetic foaming agents are polymer admixtures that provide a way to produce air bubbles within the concrete. Some are cationic, while others are non-ionic. The compatibility of surfactant and cement particles is crucial to effectively entrain the desired air content and microstructure in the foam concrete.

Stability and shrinkage of foam concrete

Foam concrete stability can be affected by the type of foaming agent used, the amount of foaming agent, water evaporation and curing time. The use of coarse fly ash (FA) as a fine aggregate in geopolymer foam concrete decreased drying shrinkage, thereby increasing strength and durability [3,8,20].

Drying shrinkage is also influenced by the pore structure. Mixtures with a narrower pore size distribution show higher strength compared to those with a wide pore size distribution. This is because the smaller air voids create greater pore attachment and lower pore size, which results in less shrinkage.

Effects of protein and synthetic foaming agent on the performance of concrete

The use of a high-performance protein foaming agent in foam concrete has been reported to have positive effects on the strength development, freeze-thaw resistance, workability and permeability properties of foam concrete. Moreover, the foaming agent is able to produce smaller and homogeneous air spaces at high foam concrete densities.

When comparing the properties of foam concretes prepared using protein and synthetic foaming agents, it was found that the foam concrete based on SS had a higher compressive strength and reduced water absorption. The low pore connection and thicker pore wall in the SS-containing foam concrete resulted in more stable air voids, which provided a better abrasion resistance and frost heave.

(Synthetic Foaming Agent For Concrete)