STUDY OF REGULARITY OF CHANGES IN VOLUMETRIC MASS OF FOAMED GEOPOLYMER MATERIALS ON BASIS OF LIMESTONE WAST

Abstract

The creation of composite construction materials, which have a less harmful impact on the environment both at the stage of their production and in the process of their use, is of great interest in the global construction industry. Recent innovations have led to the creation of foamed geopolymer concrete or geopolymer foam, which includes the operational advantages of thermal and acoustic insulation materials, saves energy by reducing heat loss, and contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions into the environment. For a better understanding of the properties and benefits related to the use of foamed geopolymer materials, this paper presents studies of the volumetric mass of these materials obtained from limestone waste and silicate activator. Samples with a ratio of components (limestone waste: activator) of 70:30, 75:25, and 80:20 were obtained. Studies of the volumetric mass depending on changes in the concentration of alkali in the solution of the gas generation activator showed that the minimum values of the volumetric mass are achieved at 1 mol/L concentration of alkali. In addition, it was found that the best foaming geopolymer material is achieved at a ratio of components of 80:20 and at a content of the gas generation activator solution in the mixture of 18% mass. Keywords: foamed geopolymer, volumetric mass, porosity, thermal insulation material.