# Physical Properties of Foamed Concrete Based on Plaster Mortar with Polystyrene Granulate and Synthetic Foaming Agent

## TL;DR

This study explores how adding polystyrene granulate and a foaming agent to plaster mortar affects the physical properties of foamed concrete.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new approach to improving energy efficiency in buildings by modifying foamed concrete with polystyrene granulate and synthetic foaming agents.

## Key findings

- Adding polystyrene granulate reduces density, thermal conductivity, and water absorption, but lowers mechanical strength.
- Increasing the foaming agent content further reduces thermal and mechanical properties while slightly increasing water absorption.
- All tested samples showed lower water absorption than the base sample despite the foaming agent's influence.

## Abstract

According to EU directives, it is necessary to improve the energy consumption of buildings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve the physical properties of foamed concrete produced using plaster mortar. For this purpose, polystyrene granulate with a bulk density of 13 kg/m3 in amounts of 4, 7, and 10 g per 1 kg of plaster mortar and a foaming agent in amounts of 2, 4, and 6% of the cement mass were used. The density, thermal conductivity coefficient, compressive and flexural strengths, and water absorption coefficient due to capillary action were determined. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the density, thermal conductivity coefficient, and water absorption coefficient due to capillary action decreased with an increase in the content of polystyrene granulate addition, which is a beneficial outcome. However, at the same time, a reduction in mechanical properties was demonstrated. With an increase in the content of the foaming agent, the density and thermal and mechanical properties decreased. The water absorption coefficient due to capillary action increased with the foaming agent content for samples with the addition of polystyrene granulate. However, the coefficient for all the tested samples was lower than that for the base sample.