Mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight foamed geopolymer concretes

Abstract

Foamed geopolymer concretes have a better performance in the thermal insulation properties compared to normal geopolymer concretes. In this research, lightweight aggregate geopolymer concretes was incorporated with different percentage of foaming agents (hydrogen peroxide). Compressive strength and thermal conductivity were measured. From results obtained, increased H₂O₂ contents will decrease the strength of lightweight foamed geopolymer concretes. Lightweight aggregate foamed geopolymer concretes (LWAFGC) with foaming agent content of 0.2wt.% obtained the highest strength of 19.601 MPa. Furthermore, Increased of H₂O₂ contents also will decrease the thermal conductivity of lightweight foamed geopolymer concretes. Lightweight foamed geopolymer concretes with 2wt.% H₂O₂ gave the good thermal insulating behavior when the thermal conductivity value recorded the lowest value compare to other wt.% of H₂O₂ content. The thermal conductivity value of lightweight foamed geopolymer concretes with 2wt.% of H₂O₂ was 0.072 W/m. K while, the thermal conductivity of other mixtures ranged between 0.077 W/m. K to 0.087 W/m. K., respectively.