The effect of foam polystyrene granules on cement composite properties

Crumbled recycled foam polystyrene waste as well as spherical large and fine blown polystyrene waste is used to produce the filler for a light thermo-insulating composite, the matrix of which is light foam cement. For better cohesion, fillers are hydrophilizated with foam cement surfactant solution. Polystyrene granules and foam cement concrete interaction schemes are discussed. The investigation of foam cement concrete and polystyrene granule contact zone showed that the contact of these two materials is very close, without any fractures or microcracks. Adherence of the two components depends on the size and shape of granules used. When a polystyrene granule is ripped out of foam cement concrete, the emerged hole closely repeats the structure of the granule and there is some polystyrene residue left in it. This proves the fact that foam cement concrete contact zone is stronger than the polystyrene granule material. When fine polystyrene granules are used, it disintegrates along the contact zone. Such composite has the lowest adhesion strength, however, it is stronger in comparison with a composite, made with different foam polystyrene granules, provided by better macrostructure. Strength and thermal conductivity of the composite depend on its density, the filler, its sort and amount used, and is defined by regression equations. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.