# Fabrication of Sustainable Diatomite-Based Foams with a Micro-Macroporous Synergistic Structure

## TL;DR

Researchers created lightweight, eco-friendly building material using diatomite with a special pore structure that balances strength and functionality.

## Contribution

A novel diatomite-based foam with a synergistic micro-macroporous structure is fabricated for lightweight and eco-functional building materials.

## Key findings

- The material achieves a dry density of 467–670 kg/m³ and a porosity of 76.9%.
- It maintains a compressive strength of 2.67 MPa while having a specific surface area of 42.9 m²/g.
- The structure balances stability and functionality by enhancing micropore-environment interactions.

## Abstract

This study developed a foamed material with a synergistic microporous-macroporous structure through chemical foaming and high-pressure curing to better utilize the microporous properties of diatomaceous earth in building materials. The effects of different amounts of foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and CaO/SiO2 on the mechanical properties and pore structure of the samples were investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that, under the influence of the foaming agent, the foam material has developed a multi-stage pore structure that integrates both macropores and micropores. This unique structure results in a dry density range of 467–670 kg/m3, thereby achieving significant material lightweighting. In addition, these macropores enhance the interaction between the micropores of diatomaceous earth and the external environment interface, thereby achieving a balance between the material’s structural stability and functional properties. The material exhibits a porosity of 76.9% and a specific surface area of 42.9 m2/g, while maintaining a high compressive strength of 2.67 MPa. This work provides a technological pathway for the fabrication of multifunctional building materials that have both lightweight and eco-functional properties.