Controlling the structural formation of porized cement composites in the production of thermally efficient enclosure structures of enhanced quality

Introduction. Research to improve the quality of foam concrete products through targeted control of technological processes of structure formation of cement-based compositions is relevant. The strength of foam concrete is significantly influenced by the adhesion strength of the hardened cement paste to the aggregate. This article discusses methods of chemical and mechanochemical activation of foam concrete filler with glyoxal-containing additives, interaction with hydration products of binders and increasing the strength of the contact zone. The quality of foam concrete can be improved by controlling the properties of the contact zone. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using standard test procedures specified in national standards. Results. With preliminary chemical and mechano-chemical exposure of the sand surface to glyoxal-containing additives and its subsequent introduction into the foam concrete mixture the grade of strength of foam concrete increases to B1 while maintaining the average density grade D500 in comparison with foam concrete of the control composition, while the shrinkage value decreases by 20–38.5% and thermal conductivity coefficient by 37%. Conclusion. The use of glyoxal-based additives in foam concrete mixtures by pre-activating the sand surface can improve the quality of cement foam concrete.