Structure and Properties of Foam Concrete and Fiber-Reinforced Foam Concrete Produced Using a Complex Nanomodifier Based on Industrial Waste

Foam concrete and fiber-reinforced foam concrete are promising building materials for sustainable and energy-efficient construction. Improving the environmental performance of cellular composites through the use of industrial waste and additives based on them is highly relevant. This study intends to create a novel complex nanomodifying additive (CNA) from industrial waste and nanomaterials, alongside new eco-friendly foam concrete (FC) and fiber-reinforced foam concrete (FFC) mixes incorporating CNA and polypropylene fiber (PF). Experimental studies yielded the optimal CNA formulation and described a method for its preparation. The test results indicate that FC’s properties are enhanced by CNA. The properties were best in the FC that was modified with 10% CNA. The FC control composition was surpassed by a 25.5% increase in compressive strength and a 23.1% increase in flexural strength, with a 9.5% reduction in thermal conductivity. Dispersed PF reinforcement also positively impacts the properties of FFCs with CNA, and the combined modification of 10% CNA and 1.2% PF provides maximum increases in compressive and flexural strength, amounting to 43.1% and 102.2%, respectively, and a 16.9% reduction in thermal conductivity. A microstructural analysis of the cellular composites confirms the feasibility of the tested formulation solutions. The FFCs, when modified by CNA and PF, display a homogeneous cellular structure, and the interpore zones contain multiple clusters of calcium silicate hydrate. Using CNA in the production of FC and FFCs will reduce cement consumption and improve their environmental friendliness.