Peracetic acid as a novel blowing agent in the direct foaming of alkali-activated materials

In this study, peracetic acid (PAA) was investigated as a novel blowing agent for the preparation of porous alkali-activated materials from metakaolin or blast furnace slag by direct foaming method. PAA is an organic peroxide with lower stability OO bond in comparison to H2O2. It also introduces acetate anions system, which can chelate cations potentially increase extent precursor dissolution and decrease surface tension gas-liquid interfaces prompting open porosity formation. compared H2O2 prepare characterizing setting time, compressive strength, reaction kinetics (by isothermal calorimetry), mercury intrusion porosimetry helium gas pycnometry), chemical composition electron probe microanalyzer, EPMA). The most significant finding that use caused 92%–94% 72%–80% volume upon curing slag-based foams, respectively. enhanced precursors when using were observed EPMA analysis, promoted higher strength PAA-based foams (451–537% H2O2-based foams). There indication As practical implication, could be well suited applications during foam must minimized.