A New Type of Mineral Admixture and Its Impact on the Carbonation Resistance of EPS Concrete

Abstract

In this study, the effect of microbead dosages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the carbonation resistance of expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete was investigated. Five groups of EPS concrete specimens were produced and underwent rapid carbonation testing. The carbonation depth and strength after carbonation of the specimens were measured at different carbonation ages (7 days, 14 days, and 28 days) and analyzed to determine the effect of microbead dosages and compressive strength on carbonation resistance. Results indicated that the carbonation depth increased with the progression of carbonation time. The introduction of microbeads was found to significantly improve the carbonation resistance of EPS concrete, leading to a reduction in carbonation depth of over 50% after 28 days and an increase in strength after carbonation by 18–56%. A relative compressive strength model for EPS concrete after carbonation was developed, which could accurately characterize the growth of compressive strength. Based on the analysis of EPS concrete carbonation depth data, a prediction model for the carbonation depth of EPS concrete with microbead dosage was established through fitting, providing improved accuracy in predicting carbonation resistance. The microstructure of EPS concrete was also examined using scanning electron microscopy to uncover the underlying mechanisms of microbead enhancement on carbonation resistance. These findings have potential implications for future research and engineering applications in the carbonation resistance of EPS concrete.

The Influence of Slag Content on the Structure and Properties of the Interfacial Transition Zone of Ceramisite Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

“…However, excessive incorporation of mineral admixtures can also cause damage to the interface [31], resulting in a decrease in the strength of the concrete. In addition to the improvement of mineral admixtures for concrete interfaces based on cementitious materials, scholars have incorporated nanoceramics in cement to improve the properties of the interface, which in turn affects the carbonation properties of concrete [32] and has various effects on durability [33].…”