High-performance magnesium oxychloride composites with silica sand and diatomite

In past years, the study of magnesium oxychloride cement became fairly widespread, because of its good mechanical properties and environmental sustainability. One of its biggest advantages is its ability to work well with different types of fillers and aggregates. This paper deals with the synthesis and analysis of such material, namely the composite of magnesium oxychloride with diatomite. Three different phases varying in the amount of diatomite were prepared and analyzed using various analytical methods, namely X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, simultaneous thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The phase and chemical composition, morphology and thermal behavior were studied as well as the structural, mechanical, hygric, and thermal properties of the hardened materials. This sort of novel and alternative material shows wide-ranging application potential while being eco-friendly and providing great mechanical properties applicable in the extreme conditions.