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Influence of Foaming Agent Type on The Behavior of Foamed Concrete

Article  in  Research Journal of Engineering and Technology · March 2021

DOI: 10.30684/etj.v39i1B.1805

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 Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

Engineering and Technology Journal

Journal homepage: engtechjournal.org

Influence of Foaming Agent Type on The Behavior of Foamed

Concrete
Ruqaya F. Hamada a*, Awham M. Hameed b
a
Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.
100298@student.uotechnology.edu.iq
b
Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.100155@uotechnology.edu.iq
*Corresponding author. Ruqaya F. Hamada

Submitted: 18/08/2020 Accepted: 14/10/2020 Published: 25/03/2021

KEYWORDS ABSTRACT
Foam agent, Detergent,
In this work the desired aim is to study the effect of two various sorts of a
Foam concrete,
foaming agents on the properties of foamed concrete to obtain high quality
Lightweight concrete.
with a target density is nearly 1600 kg/m3. The standard samples were
designed by employing two types of foam agent (FA), the first one is
commercially named (EABSSOC foam agent, FA) while the second is the
foam of detergent liquid (D) which known (Fairy). The results showed that
the FA sample records the lower bulk density compared to the other types.
The perfect mix which involved 1wt.% of (D) had higher values of the
compressive strength 20.25MPa, 16.32MPa of the curing in water and air
respectively and flexural strength (F.S) values were 6.89MPa,4.47MPa of
the cured samples in (air, water) for various durations (7,14 and 28) days
compared to the samples that contained 1and 0.8wt. % of FA. The
obtained compressive strengths were 5.1MPa, 4.3MPa while the flexural
strengths were 2.74MPa, 2.9MPa for the samples contained 1wt. %foam
agent (FA) after the curing into water and air at the same duration. It is
obvious that the addition of foam to the cement mortar paste imparts great
characteristics as lightweight with flowability. These properties and others
make it suitable for some applications, for example, a decrease of the dead
load from the structure, thermal and acoustic insulating and use it in non-
structural sections such as a wall.

How to cite this article: R. F. Hamada and A. M. Hameed, “Influence of Foaming Agent Type on The
Behavior of Foamed Concrete,” Engineering and Technology Journal, Vol. 39, Part B, No. 01, pp. 80-88,
2021.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30684/etj.v39i1B.1805

1. INTRODUCTION
Foam concrete (FC) is comparatively a popular material having cementitious characteristics,
integrated with entrained foam into the cement-based mortar which can be fabricated in different
densities ranging from 300 kg/m³ to 1600 kg/m³. It is very well may be viewed as generally
homogeneous when contrasted with normal concrete, as it doesn't contain coarse aggregate phase [1].
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Publishing rights belongs to University of Technology’s Press, Baghdad, Iraq.
Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

Foamed concrete properties depend on the microstructure and composition, which are affected by the
type of foam used. Foam concrete is like fluid, porous concrete recognized with lightweight,
manufactured by mixing the cement mortar with separately manufacture techniques which include
pre-foaming and then curing [2, 3]. The foaming agent has a greater fundamental effect on foam
concrete. The foaming agents included in the mixture water create a discrete air voids cavity that
becomes consolidated into the cement mortar. Foamed concrete features are basically reliant upon the
nature of the foaming agent [4]. The second type is detergent foam is a category of chemical
compounds that are used for cleaning because of their dual hydrophobic and hydrophilic
characteristics. Due to its chemical structure and reactivity, a detergent can bind to an oily stain,
detergent foam can be added to cement to reinforce and guarantee the longevity of concrete [5]. Dish
detergent foam adds tiny air bubbles to the cement mixture which is called air entrainment. After
curing, these bubbles become small pockets of air in the concrete. These voids permit the concrete to
breathe thus preventing cracking as the concrete expands and contracts in fluctuating weather
conditions. Thereafter foam concrete is lightweight due to reducing the density of concrete [6]. The
density of foamed concrete is lower than ordinary concrete about 50%-80% and the density of foam
concrete is determined by the ratio of foam to slurry or cement paste and densities [7]. Foam concrete
is a reasonable application in numerous fields of civil and construction engineering for its possession
distinctive features including density decrease, reduced thermal conductivity, acoustic insulation,
high flowability, the self-compactness of concrete, given the ease of the producer and its relative cost
[8, 9].
Akram and his coworkers [10] studied the foam concrete designed by the mix prepared in two
categories. The designs of the control mix were represented with a formula (60C40S0.4FA) while the
designs of the detergent mix were represented with the formula (60C40S0.4D). Regarding the
controlling mixture contain 0.4FA which means the foam agent percent (FA), 60C and 40S represent
the cement amount and sands within the mixture correspondingly which found as the perfect mixture
designing in comparison with the controlling one. The results determined the compressive strength
for 28 days of different control and detergent mixing designs. The 28-days compressive strength is
greater than that concerning the controlling mixtures. This behavior can be attributed to increasing
the strength in the controlling mixtures with a slow rate in comparison with the detergent mixtures.
This study explained how the equally spread of bubbles of FA can be accountable for the relatively
high strength of the reference mixtures design comparing with the detergent mixture design of
twenty-eight days.
Nassar and Memon [11] prepared foam concrete samples of the eight control mixes were
produced by using a foaming agent, and eight corresponding mixes were produced by incorporating
locally manufactured detergent as a foaming agent. The difference in the amount of cement, sand,
and in all mixes the dosage of foam agent and detergent (D) was constant at 0.3 and 0.5 replacement
weight percent of the cement in these mixes. The samples were produced and tested for density,
compressive strength. The results showed that the as-placed density of control mixes was relatively
higher than that density of the detergent mixes, it occurs more air-entertainment in case of detergent
mixes. While the as-placed density for control mixes ranged from 0.89 to 1.05 g/cm3, the as-placed
density of the detergent mixes, varied over a range of 0.80 to 0.96 g/cm3. The results showed the
compressive strength at seven and twenty-eight days while the detergent mix design has a higher at
7days compressive strengths than that of control mix designs. However, in age time 28 days were
strength higher in the case of control mixes.
This research aims to produce foamed concrete by using two types of foam (foam agent,
detergent) and study the influence of added foaming types on the foamed concrete properties
comparing with reference concrete (R) such as bulk density, compressive strength, flexural strength
and clarify the homogenization process for foam concrete samples through SEM micrographs.
2. EXPERIMENTAL PARTS
I. Materials
A. Cement
Ordinary Portland cement (Type 1) manufactured by (BAzian) factory which commercially
named (Krasta) was used during is the work. Cement utilized conformed to Iraqi Standards No.5
(1984) [12].

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

B. Sand
Sand was utilized through this research recognize as (Al- Ekhaider). The sieve analysis of fine
aggregates is tabulated in Table I. The general characteristics of fine aggregates are conforming to
Iraqi Standards Limits (I.Q.S) No.45 (1984) [13].
TABLE I: Sieve analysis results of sand

Sieve size (mm) Cumulative passing % Limited of I.Q.S

No.45/1984, zone (4)
10 100 100
4.75 95 90-100
2.36 86 85-100
1.18 77 75-100
0.6 59 60-79
0.3 30 12-40
0.15 13 0-10

C. Foam agent
The quality of foam is important to the stability of foam concrete, affects the strength, and
hardening of the final product. Foam agent with commercial code (EABSSOC) was used in this work
conforming to ASTM C869[14], it used in this work with two ratios 1, 0.8wt.% of cement weight.
Table II illustrates someimportant properties of an EABSSOC foaming agent (FA).
TABLE II: Important properties of the used foaming agent (FA)
, ,

Characterization Description
Appearance Translucent liquid
Specific gravity 1.02
Water Solubility Infinite
Dosage rate 0.3-0.6 liters per m3 of foamed concrete produced
pH 6.7 in solution

D. Detergent Foam
Detergent type (Fairy) was used in this research which commercial is available as a green liquid, it
was used with percentage 1wt.% of cement weight. Liquid detergent also a plasticizer of the concrete
that makes it easier to work and produce foam concrete. This is due to the presence of an air-
entrainment agent. Where the pH of the detergent diluted with water rings 6-7. This detergent was
diluted with water to obtain white foam but a less dense foam agent.
E. Water
Tap water was used for the mixing process and preparation of samples and then curing, of each
concrete mix during this work.
II. Preparation steps of samples
,

A. Mixing process of samples

The foam concrete was prepared according to ASTM C796-97[15] the preparation process was
carried out in three stages and the materials ratios are shown in Table III.
,

Step (no.1): was included preparing the foamed concrete (FC). The dry materials (cement: sand)
ratio (1:2) were mixed for two minutes, then two-thirds of water were added to the dry materials and
the mixing was continued for two minutes.
Step (no.2): the residual water was added to each type of foaming agent then the mixture was
mixed by hand for 4 minutes, but for detergent foam, the mixture was blended by the electrical
machine for 8 minutes to become dense foam but it is still less density compared to the foam agent,
this method is called pre-foaming process.
Step (no.3): each type of the prepared foams was added to the wet materials mixture (cement,
sand, and water) and mixed for two minutes and then obtaining a homogeneous foamed mortar.

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

TABLE III: Mix proportions of materials percentage with target density 1600 kg/m3 foamed
concrete mixes

Mix C/S W/C Foam Detergent Target

type Ratio Ratio Agent (FA) (D) (%) density/cm3
(%)
R 1:2 0.50 - - 1600
FA 1:2 0.45 1 - 1600
FA 1:2 0.45 0.8 - 1600
D 1:2 0.45 - 1 1600
⃰R: Reference concrete, FA: foam agent, D: detergent.

B. Molding, casting and Curing

Prior to the molding process, all the molds were oiled cautiously to ready for the foam mortar
,

casting. The prepared samples were cast with 3 layers, all layers were compacted by using plastic
,

rod subsequently, the samples were left wet for curing at laboratory temperatures for 24 hours to
become hardened, then removed from the molds after the expiration at 24 hours and curing in plastic
containers containing pine water at period age included seven, fourteen and twenty-eight days.
III. The performed Tests
A. Bulk density test (B.D)
Bulk density tests were specified conforming to the ASTM C109 standards [16]. Sample with
,

dimensions (50×50×50 mm) was utilized of the bulk density test with curing in water and air at
periods (3,7,14 and finally 28) days. This bulk density value was calculated by dividing the sample
mass by the cubic sample volume. It can be calculated by applying the equation [17]:
ρ = m /V (1)
where: ρ: Bulk density of the sample, m: sample mass, V: sample volume.
B. Compressive strength test (C.S)
(50×50×50mm) cubic samples were compressed under compression load conforming to ASTM
C109 [16]. This test was carried out by using a machine (model 065-l0019/B) with a load capacity of
(250000N). The compressive strength (C. S) of the sample was specified from the maximum load
applied on the sample during the testing process to realize the complete failure divided by the
average of a cross -sectional area of the cubic sample. It can be calculated by following the equation
,

[17]:
C.S= F / A (2)
Where; C.S: Compressive Strength (MPa), F: Force applied on the sample (Newton (N)), A:
sample cross- sectional area (mm²).
C. Flexural Strength test (F.S)
Prism samples with dimensions (B×D×L= 40×40×160mm) were subjected to a 3-points flexural
test according to ASTM C 348-02[18] specifications. A(CONTROLS) was used in this test pattern
(065-l0019/B) machine of (250000N) load capacity value. The prism was subjected to center –point
loading (three-point test). Flexural strength value (F.S) can be determined by applying the following
equation:
F.S = (3 PL) ÷[2b×(d2)] (3)
where: F.S: Flexural Strength (MPa); P: applied load on the sample (N); L: The span between
two-point (mm); b: width of prism sample (mm); d: thickness of prism sample (mm).
D. Scanning Electron Microscope Test (SEM)
Scanning electron microscope (SEM), was used to study the surface microstructure of samples,
the magnification estimated SEM about (2500×). The sample was prepared through the first step by
the drying process in an oven while in the second step, the samples were coated with the flash
material diluted with water) and therefore the sample surface was prepared to be ready for the test,
hence samples were photographed by a Scanning electron microscope.

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

3.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

I. Bulk Density
The bulk density of foam concrete samples compares with reference concrete which has been
subjected to (water, air) at 3,7,14, and 28 days as shown in [Figure (1 a, b)]. Results showed that the
bulk density, reduced with the increasing of foam agent (FA) ratio to (1wt.%) and recorded
1.85g/cm3 and 1.51g/cm3 after 28 days from (water, air) curing respectively because the increasing of
foam agent played an effective role in the reduction of the bulk density of foam concrete but when
0.8wt.% FA was added to the mortar, the bulk density was increased to 2.02g/cm3,1.75g/cm3 for the
two curing routes respectively. This behavior agrees with previous studies [19]. After addition 1wt.%
detergent foam into the mortar instead of foam agent, it is noticed that the bulk density increases to
1.97g/cm3 in water curing and 1.74g/cm3 in air curing.

(a)

(b)
Figure 1: Role of foaming agent type on (bulk density-age) relation of foamed concrete
(FC) compared to (R) subjected for 3,7,14,28 days in a) water, b) air.

II. Compressive strength (C.S)

Compressive strength was tested for the foam concrete compared to the reference concrete (R) is
demonstrated in [Figure (2a, b)]. The results illustrate that the compressive strength value was
decreased after adding (FA), it is well noticed that the lowest value is in the range (5.1MPa) of the
sample cured into the water and (4.3MPa) of the sample cured in the air after adding 1wt.%FA while
reducing FA to 0.8wt.% the compressive strength reached a value to (12.08MPa, 12.05MPa) for
water and air curing at 28 days. It was instituted that the compressive strength (C.S) was acquired
some increase with the two processes at (7,14,28) days. The use of 1wt.% D in mortar gives higher
compressive strength compared to foam agent (FA) with the various curing process at (7,14 and 28)
days, the compressive strength values were equated to (20.25MPa) (16.32MPa) at 28 days
respectively. The compressive strength increasing with increase the time of immersion in water for
28 days because the sample will be retaining the moisture which is important for the hydration
process and the lower porosity results from the greater degree of cement hydration without any loss
of the concrete cubes moisture, therefore the concrete samples could have high compressive strength.
Although it has a good value in terms of compressive strength, it's an effect of negative on the
density. The results of this test give us an idea about the importance of creating a state of balance
between the characteristics of density and compression and reaching the optimal properties of
foamed concrete. This result agrees with a previous study by Waheed et al [20].

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

(a)

(b)
Figure 2: Effectiveness of foaming agent types (FA and D) on the compressive strength of foamed
concrete comparing with (R) after the curing in: a) water; b) air for 7; 14 and 28 days.

III. Flexural Strength (F.S)

The flexural strength test results are given in [Figure (3 a, b)]. This test showed that the value of
the flexural strength (F.S) was increased when reducing the proportion of foam agent that added to
the mixes compared with reference concrete. It is observed that the higher value of (F.S) is
(4.03MPa) at (0.8wt.%) of (FA). The values were higher when the samples were cured in the air
contrasted with those cured in water. This result agrees with a previous study by Funso et. al [21].
After adding 1wt.% D into a mortar, the flexural strength value was 6.89MPa for the sample cured in
the air which is higher than that cured in water. It can be observed that the values of flexural strength
for air-cured samples are higher than those immersed in water. This because the molecules of water
could be penetrating into the foamed concrete pores and cavities make it easily crack and fail. These
values of the flexural strength are higher after adding the detergent foam than that of sample
contained foam agent (FA), this may be due to the good physical adhesion and bonding nature
between the detergent foam and the constituents of mortar. This good bonding of the interlayers of
mortar reflects positively on the flexural strength value and other properties.

(a)

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

(b)
Figure 3: (Flexural Strength-Age) behavior of foamed concrete prepared by using two types of
foaming agents comparing with (R) after curing in: a) water, b) air for 7,14,28 days.

IV. Scanning Electron microscope (SEM)

The micrographs of the scanning electron microscope of foamed concrete that contains 1,0.8wt%
FA are shown in Figure (4 a, b). After comparing the two images, it can be observed that the
distribution and size of the pores were increased when the foam agent content was increased from 0.8
to 1wt.%. The microstructure was varied after using 1wt.% of (D) to the mortar instead of 1wt.% of
FA as shown in Figure (4c). It can be concluded that the difference in the microstructure had affected
directly the properties of foamed concrete. In general, the micrographs give a good indication of the
prepared foamed concrete where there are no separation or clear defects between the constituents,
and the nature of bonding is good to make the concrete behaves as the material with one phase.

a- 1%FA

b- 0.8%FA

c-1%D

Figure 4: Scanning electron micrographs of foam concrete with different foaming agent type.

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Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 39, Part B (2021), No. 01, Pages 80-88

4. CONCLUSIONS
The results of this experiment inserted a good idea to use two types of a foaming agent to
produce foam concrete with lower density compared to the reference concrete. As result, according to
tests that have been done, the amount and type of foam used to influence the performance of foamed
concrete. It is found that the ratio (1wt. %) of foam agent has the lowest bulk density compared to
other samples, but using (1wt.%) of detergent gives the optimum values of compressive and flexural
strengths in water and air curing in 7,14,28days. It is clear that the microstructure of the prepared
concrete affected its properties, but it gives us a good impression of the nature of the bonding of the
components of that concrete and there are no separation or internal defects.

Acknowledgments
It is a pleasure to present my thanks to the University of Technology, especially to the Department of
Applied Sciences and the graduate studies laboratories.

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