Bloating mechanism of lightweight aggregate with the size

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bloating mechanism of artificial lightweight aggregates with different sizes (ESA, effective surface area). Aggregates were produced using hard clay, stone sludge, and a bloating agent in order to observe the effect of the gradation of the artificial lightweight aggregates. Kerosene and amorphous carbon were used as bloating agent. The particle size of the produced aggregate ranged from 3 mm to 9 mm. With regard to the amount of bloating agent to be used, 2 ∼ 6 parts by weight were used. The specific gravity, absorption rate, and the type of aggregates produced by rapid sintering at 1075 ∼ 1200°C were determined. Microstructures were observed. When ESA had a value of 1 or below, kerosene, which has a high burning rate, was found to be advantageous for use as a bloating agent. When ESA had a value of 1 or above, carbon, which has a relatively low burning rate was found to be an advantageous bloating agent. It is thought that kerosene is more advantageous, as ESA decreases, for the production of aggregates having low water absorption rate.