Abstract

Mineral foam materials represent an alternative to fibrous lightweight products that are to be reconsidered. Following a reminder of the conditions of foam formation in fluid environments we review different foam production systems and provide details concerning gypsum foams. Several types of gypsum foams are achieved by modifying formulation parameters and production conditions. Thermal and mechanical performances of these gypsum foams are then assessed and compared to the ones obtained for cellular and hemp concrete. Physical properties of these foams are analyzed (including pore size, membrane thickness and bubbles connectivity). Relevant results allow the identification of several optimal conditions necessary to mineral foam formation applicable to other mineral binder types.

KEYWORDS

gypsum foam, density, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity.