Sustainable application of cenospheres in cementitious materials - Overview of performance

Cenospheres are waste products generated from the production of power from coal combustions. These wastes can be incorporated into cementitious materials to produce lightweight materials. In addition, the incorporation of these wastes can be used to improve the thermal and acoustic properties of cementitious materials. However, the incorporation of these cenospheres alters other properties. Hence, it is critical to understand how the incorporation of cenospheres into cementitious composites affects various properties. This paper presents a critical review of the properties of cementitious materials incorporating cenospheres. A brief discussion on the source, physical properties and chemical properties of cenospheres were first made. The effect of cenospheres on the physical, mechanical and durability was also discussed. The discussion made in this paper showed that the cenospheres can be incorporated into cementitious materials to produce lightweight materials and enhance the thermal and acoustic properties.