Preparation and properties of alkali activated foam cement reinforced with polypropylene fibers

Abstract

A new form of foam cement was produced by mixing alkali-activated slag, clay, a small amount of polypropylene fibers with prepared foam during stirring. The preparation of the material is quite different from the normal one, which is produced just at room temperature and without baking. The fabrication of this energy-saving and low-price material can be favorable for lowering carbon emission by using recycled industrial wastes. Thermal conductivity of 0.116 W/(m·k), compressive strength of 3.30 MPa, flexural strength of 0.8 MPa and density of 453 kg/m³ can be achieved after 28 days aging. The hydration product is C-S-H with less Ca(OH)₂, calcium aluminum and zeolite, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) measurement. This prospective foam cement may be expected to be an excellent economical energy-saving building material.

Keywords

foaming agent / alkaline cement / polypropylene fiber / strength / thermal conductivity

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