Integrated utilization of recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power for preparation of foam ceramics

Using multi-solid wastes to prepare foam ceramics, it can not only recycle a large amount of solid waste, but also obtain products with excellent performance. In this study, foam ceramics were prepared by sintering method using recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power as main raw material. The effect of foaming agent content on the physical properties and pore structure of foam ceramics were investigated. The matching relationship between the amount of flux and foaming agent was also analyzed. The results revealed that when the flux was 5 g and the foaming agent was 10 g, the foam ceramics showed the best overall performance. The compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption and porosity were 6.43 MPa, 1.10 g/cm3, 2.03 % and 54.35 %, respectively. At this time, the pore size distribution was optimal, and mesopore occupied the vast majority. The fractal dimension and pore shape factor reached the minimum of 1.344 and 1.076. If the foaming agent was too much, the amount of flux should be appropriately increased. When Na2CO3 content were 12 g and 14 g, the borax were at least 7 g and 9 g, respectively. The matching of flux and foaming agent can significantly improve the foaming effect. The experimental results showed that it was feasible to prepare foam ceramics by using recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power. The prepared foam ceramics can basically reach or even exceed the current mainstream level. In addition, this foam ceramics showed great environmental and economic prospects.