Because of its insulating qualities and lightweight nature, foam concrete is becoming more and more popular for use in building and remodeling projects. The foaming agent is one essential component that is vital to its creation. By adding air bubbles to the concrete mixture, this additive gives it a distinctive structure and enhances its overall functionality.
There are several kinds of foaming agents, and each has advantages of its own. Their primary function is to add air to the mixture without weakening the concrete; they can be synthetic or natural. Builders and do-it-yourselfers can select the best agent for their particular requirements by being aware of how these agents function, which will guarantee that the foam concrete works effectively in a variety of applications.
In addition to improving the qualities of foam concrete, the use of a foaming agent lowers material costs. Foam concrete is a lightweight alternative that is appealing for many construction projects because it is easier to handle and transport. This post will examine the various kinds of foaming agents, their functions, and the effects they have on foam concrete performance.
- What is this solution??
- Characteristics
- Composition and varieties
- Recipe for making a foaming agent
- Preparation technology
- Storage and transportation
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What is this solution??
Cellular construction mixtures with a porous content are referred to as foam concrete. To make foam concrete, combine liquid cement mortar with foamed foaming agent. A particular liquid that is whipped to create foam before use is called a foaming agent. In cement-encased foam concrete, it encourages the formation of air bubbles. Foam concrete thus acquires a synthetically produced porous structure upon hardening.
Which foaming agents are added and in what amounts directly affect the number and density of pores. These elements have an impact on the final foam concrete blocks’ density and strength. When foaming agents are whipped properly, the resulting foam should be a creamy white color and not resemble an upside-down bucket.
In order to produce foam concrete, which is a lightweight, insulating material with special properties due to the generation of air bubbles in the concrete, foaming agents are essential. Improved thermal insulation, lighter structures, and increased construction efficiency can all be attained by using these agents. Modern building projects are choosing foam concrete more and more frequently as a result of growing awareness of foaming agents’ advantages and how they improve foam concrete’s performance.
Characteristics
The following are some advantages of the foaming agent for foam concrete:
- The solution has a homogeneous consistency, has a peculiar smell. Colors vary from light beige to yellow. The concentrate interacts well with other additives used for foam concrete. For example, with various plasticizers, substances that accelerate the hardening of the mixture or other similar means.
- The foaming agent contains all the significant components that allow the final result to have the required consistency and frequency.
- This additive is easily dosed and diluted with water, does not emit toxic substances, therefore it is harmless to the environment.
Foam concrete has many advantageous performance qualities that set it apart from many other materials, thanks to the foaming agent and other ingredients. Among these characteristics are:
- thermal insulation qualities;
- cost-effectiveness in consumption;
- light weight, allowing easy, quick, construction without the help of additional means and devices;
- strength that increases over time;
- easy to process.
Composition and varieties
The concentrate’s composition directly affects the kinds of foaming agents available. The following are foam formers:
- organic;
- synthetic origin.
Because the protein foaming foam interacts more effectively with the main solution and increases the distance between the pores filled with concrete, the organic solution, which is composed of natural protein components, strengthens the foam concrete. Furthermore, the foaming agent is safe and environmentally benign due to its natural composition. Experts believe that this kind of concentrate is superior in terms of quality and effectiveness. Since foam concrete blocks on protein concentrate satisfy GOST requirements and higher quality standards, many builders favor this building material and suggest it to other artisans.
Synthetic solutions are less expensive and less erratic when the building mixture is being prepared. But prefabricated materials made with an artificial foaming agent don’t "shine" with unique quality or longevity. However, this does not stop them from being utilized for building all the time.
Which of the aforementioned options is more effective is still up for debate. Foaming agents, of which soap is the primary ingredient, contain surfactant particles that aid in the foaming process of the concentrate. It is created when an alkaline substance reacts with vegetable or animal fats. This surfactant preserves the liquid’s strength for optimal foaming by lowering the liquid’s tension.
However, experience has shown that high foam content does not always equate to high-quality material. Craftspeople who attempted to create a foaming agent from soap by hand provide evidence of this.
This is the problem. The chemical building blocks of soap are potassium and sodium, which are swiftly replaced by calcium ions in the cement during mortar mixing, preventing the soap from dissolving in water. This causes the foam to break down, which in turn causes the completed foam blocks to be further destroyed.
It is ideal for making a foaming solution by hand if you prefer resin or naphthenic acids to fats when making a foaming agent. The resulting soap will further enhance its foaming properties when it interacts with cement.
Recipe for making a foaming agent
Foaming agents are typically sold in construction markets in bulk. However, there are instances where very little foam concrete concentrate is required, particularly in small-scale private construction. Here, construction workers can attempt to create a foaming agent by hand.
The solution’s makeup ought to consist of:
- pine rosin;
- caustic soda;
- wood bone glue.
Approximately 500 liters of foam can be produced from one kilogram of glue and rosin. You can achieve homogeneity of the material, with pores no larger than 0.4 mm, if all manufacturing regulations are followed. The product requires roughly two hours to prepare. It is acceptable to work with the composition at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius. The solution has a maximum shelf life of four weeks.
Preparation technology
There are two phases to the preparation process:
- Wood glue should be prepared a day before the main process. To do this, it should be crushed, poured with water in a ratio of 1:10.
- Next is the preparation of rosin soap. Take 0.016 kg of soda, dilute in water to a mixture density of 1.2 kg / dm³. This solution is boiled, gradually adding 0.063 kg of crushed pine rosin. Usually 1.5 kg of rosin is used for 1 liter of soda solution. The solution should boil for about two hours. Systematically stir it during cooking until all the ingredients are dissolved and the mixture becomes homogeneous.
The prepared mass is added gradually to 0.06 kg of diluted glue after it has cooled. It makes the mixture more stable and viscous. After that, everything is well combined. It takes this amount to make one cubic meter of foam concrete.
Storage and transportation
The foaming agent is a material that is not erratic. It is portable and can be stored anywhere. Any location, under any circumstances, is appropriate for it. The solution does not deteriorate and maintains its quality characteristics in the summer heat. The winter season, when the thermometer’s mercury is significantly below zero, is the same. Should the solution unexpectedly undergo a change due to extreme cold or heat, it will promptly revert to its original state once the conditions stabilize. This won’t have any impact whatsoever on its quality.
A sterile, airtight container is typically utilized to keep the product. There is a range of 5 to 40 degrees above zero in the room. The material will then last for a very long time with its original appearance. Ensure that the foaming agent is not contaminated by petroleum products. If not, the product will become completely useless and lose all of its qualities.
Property | Description |
---|---|
What It Is | A foaming agent is a substance that creates bubbles in concrete, making it lighter and more insulating. |
Benefits | Improves thermal insulation, reduces weight, and enhances soundproofing. |
Common Types | Protein-based, synthetic, and surfactant-based foaming agents. |
Application | Mixed with water and cement to create foam concrete for walls, roofs, and lightweight blocks. |
Usage Ratio | Typically 1-5% of the total weight of the cement used. |
Important Consideration | Must be compatible with other concrete components to ensure strength and durability. |
Constructing and designing with foam concrete becomes infinitely more feasible when a foaming agent is used. These ingredients are essential to producing the durable, insulating, and lightweight material that is foam concrete. They aid in reaching the appropriate air content, which is necessary to enhance the material’s qualities while maintaining its workability.
Foam concrete has a lot of advantages. It is a wise choice for a variety of applications because it provides good fire resistance, soundproofing, and thermal insulation. Incorporating foam concrete into construction projects, whether residential, commercial, or renovation-related, can result in improved energy efficiency and reduced expenses over time.
To get the best results, selecting the appropriate foaming agent is essential. The density, strength, and general functionality of the foam concrete can all be impacted by various agents. It’s crucial to take into account elements like the application technique and the particular qualities required for your project. You can locate the ideal fit for your requirements with a little investigation and trial and error.
To sum up, foaming agents are important participants in the foam concrete industry. They not only improve the material’s performance but also increase its adaptability to different building tasks. The industry will probably see an even greater role for foam concrete with the appropriate foaming agents as the demand for environmentally friendly and effective building materials rises.