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Organic–inorganic hybrid foams were prepared by using metakaolin or diatomite as a partial (or total) replacement of metakaolin, as precursor and metal silicon and whipped protein as blowing agents. The foamed systems were cured at defined temperature and time and then characterized by chemical point of view through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and by mechanical and morphological point of view by compression tests and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental findings highlighted that the replacement of diatomite in the formulation affected the morphological structure of the foams and consequently their mechanical properties, due to a different chemism between the sodium silicate and the solid phase. In particular, the consolidation mechanism in the diatomite based-hybrid foams changed from geopolymerization to a silicate polycondensation. Consequently, mechanical performances enhanced with increase of the diatomite content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrid foams based on an alkali alumino-silicate matrix were prepared using different foaming methods. Firstly, silico-aluminate inorganic matrix, activated through a sodium silicate solution, was prepared at room temperature. The obtained viscous paste was expanded by means of silicon metal redox reaction in alkaline media in combination with protein-assisted foaming. The foamed systems were hardened at defined temperature and time and then characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and compression tests. The high temperature behavior and specific surface area were also evaluated. The experimental findings highlighted that the combination of silicon metal and vegetable protein allowed tailoring hybrid foams with enhanced properties: good yield strength and thermal resistance typical of geopolymeric foam with a ductile behavior (toughness) and low density typical of organic foams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lightweight gypsum was manufactured using natural surfactants as foaming agent. • The role of different amounts and concentrations of foaming agent was evaluated. • Lightweight gypsum showed a significant modification of the post-cracking behavior. • Enhanced thermal insulation and acoustic absorption properties were achieved. Gypsum plasterboards are nowadays very appreciated in buildings, mainly due to their lightness, thermal insulation and suitable sound transmission loss when used in double walls. However thermal and acoustic features of gypsum plasterboard can be enhanced. In the present study an innovative method, consisting in the direct addition of a pre-manufactured foam to gypsum pastes is used to increase the gypsum porosity improving sound absorption, lightness and thermal insulation features. In this aim, the role of both different amounts and dilutions of a vegetal foaming agent on the main physical, mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the gypsum was experimentally investigated. Moreover, also X-ray computed micro tomography technique (Micro-CT) was carried out in order to investigate the 3D internal microstructure of the materials. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the foaming agent in increasing the gypsum porosity, with a linear correlation between densities and mechanical strengths. Moreover, the presence of large bubbles, mainly connected each other, involved in a strong reduction of the thermal coefficient (λ), from 0.57 W/m∙K of REF sample to 0.25 W/m∙K of LG10_5% sample, and in a strong increase of the normal sound absorption coefficient (α 0), from 0.06 of REF sample to 0.20 of LG10_5% sample. Finally, in the light of the results obtained by the present research, the use of a pre-whipped vegetal foaming agent represents a suitable way to obtain lightweight gypsum-based materials with enhanced thermal and acoustic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]