Evaluation of performance of foam produced with different methodologies for use in foam concrete production

Abstract

For the production of foam concrete which finds applications in many areas, generally as a function of its relatively lightweight, the use of stable and quality foam is the key requirement. However, the literature available on the influence of characteristics of foaming agent and foam on the properties of foam concrete are rather limited. Hence a more systematic research is needed in this direction. The present work focuses on the relative performance evaluation of foam (initial foam density, foam stability, viscosity of surfactant solution and bubble size) using a typical synthetic surfactant and additive using two different foam production methodologies namely stirrer and foam generator. Comparative studies on foam production methods indicated that foam produced based on compressed air method (foam generator) is of better quality with lesser liquid fraction and drainage compared to that of foam produced with stirrer. Also studies have proved that there is a strong relationship between viscosity of surfactant solution, initial foam density, foam stability and bubble microstructure.