Non-autoclaved Foam Concrete with Improved Foam Characteristics

In the production technology of non-autoclaved cellular concrete, there are a number of technological changes, the possibility of intensifying which is possible by inserting chemical and mineral additives-stabilizers of the foam matrix. These additives can simultaneously act as accelerators of hardening and setting, as well as stabilize the foam matrix at the initial stage. For the research, the foam matrix mineralizers—fine-ground sulfates were selected for the purpose of possible intensification of the injection molding technology of cellular concrete. The solution to this problem lies in the assessment of the main mixing parameters, the choice of raw materials, the availability of additives and the overall manufacturability of the production process. The paper clarifies the effect of foam matrix mineralizers together with additives that accelerate setting, and also evaluates the effect of a complex of additives on the main properties of foams: durability, multiplicity and syneresis. The influence of the pH environment on the primary characteristics of foams obtained on the basis of foaming agents of various nature is considered separately. The regularities of the influence of the hydrolysis constants of additive on the multiplicity of the resulting foam were identified; the possibility of changing the pH value of the environment on the stability of the foam matrix and initial syneresis was evaluated. Recommendations on the use of some sulfates together with foam thickeners in the technology of non-autoclaved foam concrete are given.