Effect of high temperature on the mechanical properties of hierarchical porous cenosphere/geopolymer composite foams

A hierarchical porous cenosphere/geopolymer composite foam (FHCs/KGP) was fabricated by the simultaneous incorporation of O-2 pore from hydrogen peroxide and cenosphere filler addition. Effects of both H2O2 content and high-temperature treatment on the microstructure, porosity and strength of porous FHCs/KGP foams were investigated systematically. The obtained FHCs/KGP foams showed typical amorphous structure and desirable porosity from 65 to 82%. The composites could crystallize in situ to FHCs/leucite foams above 1000celcius. Compression strength of the FHCs/leucite foams showed a maximum value of 5 +/- 0.3 MPa when treated at 1000 degrees C. The improvement of mechanical properties for the composite foams was attributed to crack deflection, fractured microspheres and the good bond between the FHCs and matrix. This study could open opportunities to employ cellular foams as alternatives in structure and filtration applications.

Automated summary

A hierarchical porous cenosphere/geopolymer composite foam was fabricated by incorporating hydrogen peroxide and cenosphere filler, resulting in desirable porosity and strength. The composite foams could crystallize in situ to form FHCs/leucite foams at temperatures above 1000 degrees Celsius, showing improved mechanical properties attributed to crack deflection and good bond between FHCs and matrix. This study opens up opportunities for using cellular foams in structure and filtration applications.