Work

Basic factors influencing the thermal and strength properties of lightweight concretes gelled with starch

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of technological parameters on the properties of lightweight concrete gelled with starch, with particular emphasis on microstructure, porosity, and mechanical and thermal characteristics. The study examined composites with varied starch content, sodium metasilicate dosage, gelation temperature, and hydrated lime addition. Key properties were evaluated through a range of tests: fresh mix consistency, stability of mixtures in the initial curing phase, bulk density, compressive and flexural strength, thermal characteristics, microstructure analysis (SEM), pore size distribution (mercury intrusion porosimetry), and moisture sorption isotherms (DVS). The resulting materials featured high porosity (approximately 60–80%), density of 560–650 kg/m³, thermal conductivity of 0.077–0.096 W/mK, compressive strength of 2.0–3.5 MPa, and flexural strength of 0.5–1.2 MPa. Starch gelation technology offers a promising solution for producing lightweight materials with optimized insulation and structural performance.

Source: Construction and Building Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2026.145386

Authors: Jarosław Strzałkowski, Agata Stolarska

Institution: West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,540