journal article·2025-12-01

Foam concrete with untreated phosphogypsum and fly ash: strength and microstructure

Liwei Du, Jiesheng Liu, Zhiyu Zhang, Yiwei Zheng, Taojie Song, Yi Liu, Wanwan Fu, Chuancheng Zhang, Shining Chen

Emerging Materials Research· Volume 14· Issue 4
Publisher page

Abstract

Expanding the application scope of phosphogypsum (PG) is critically important for improving its utilization. In this study, a PG-based foam concrete was prepared using untreated PG, fly ash (FA), cement, and a foaming agent. The effects of foam content, FA content, water-to-binder (W/B) ratio, and PG content on the properties of PG–FA foam concrete were systematically investigated. Key performance parameters, including dry bulk density, water absorption, compressive strength, and frost resistance, were evaluated. Microstructural characteristics were examined using FTIR and SEM. The experimental results showed that the mixture containing 9% PG, 20% FA, and a W/B ratio of 0.35 exhibited optimal performance, achieving a compressive strength of 8.15 MPa and a dry bulk density of 860.06 kg/m³. An optimal amount of PG promotes ettringite formation through hydration reactions, thereby refining the pore structure and enhancing the mechanical properties of the foam concrete.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Magnesium Oxide Properties and Applications · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Wuhan Polytechnic University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, , Wuhan, ; Pilot-scale Platform of Marine Engineering Structural Protective Materials, Wuhan, China

China Railway 19th Bureau Group 6th Engineering Co., Ltd. , Nantong,

Wuhan Institute of Shipbuilding Technology School of Architectural Engineering and Design, , Wuhan,

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