Abstract
Organic–inorganic hybrid foams based on an alkali alumino-silicate matrix were prepared using different foaming methods. Firstly, silico-aluminate inorganic matrix, activated through a sodium silicate solution, was prepared at room temperature. The obtained viscous paste was expanded by means of silicon metal redox reaction in alkaline media in combination with protein-assisted foaming. The foamed systems were hardened at defined temperature and time and then characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and compression tests. The high temperature behavior and specific surface area were also evaluated. The experimental findings highlighted that the combination of silicon metal and vegetable protein allowed tailoring hybrid foams with enhanced properties: good yield strength and thermal resistance typical of geopolymeric foam with a ductile behavior (toughness) and low density typical of organic foams.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Italian Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (MIUR), and Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico within the framework of PON-2007-2013 under Grant PON02_000293206086 “COCET”. The authors gratefully acknowledge Dott. Manlio Colella for helping in analyzing SEM microscopy data.
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Verdolotti, L., Liguori, B., Capasso, I. et al. Synergistic effect of vegetable protein and silicon addition on geopolymeric foams properties. J Mater Sci 50, 2459–2466 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8801-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8801-3