Effects of different activators on the mechanical properties, hydration kinetics, and pore structure of phosphogypsum foam concrete
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Converting solid waste into building materials is the most effective large-scale solution for industrial by-products, yet the high impurity content and unstable properties of phosphogypsum (PG) hinder its widespread use.This research examines the influence of three activators-waterglass (WG), sodium aluminate (SA), and calcined phosphogypsum (CPG)-on the properties of phosphogypsum foam concrete (PFC).The Krstulovic-Dabic model was employed to unravel the hydration kinetics of PFC.FTIR and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance were used to investigate the hydration products and pore structure.The results reveal that the optimal proportions are 1% for WG, 0.4% for SA, and 20% for CPG, respectively, with the SA-0.4% group showing the highest 28 d compressive strength.This improvement stems from notable enhancements in the nucleation and crystal growth stage of reaction kinetics, according to the Krstulovic-Dabic model.Hence, incorporating SA can maximally promote the hydration reactions.The generated hydration products can fill the micropores and separate them into smaller transition pores.This reduces the proportion of interconnected pores and refines the pore structure of PFC.As compared with the control sample, the porosity of SA-0.4% PFC decreases by 11.8%.This research provides theoretical support for utilizing PFC to prepare high-performance PFC and to realize sustainable development in the construction field.
Source: ZKG International
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7203684056