Aerated concrete production with atmospheric steam curing method using of diatomaceous earth

Grinded quartz sand was used as the main material in the production of conventional autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). Swelling is achieved, the aluminum powder adding into the fluid consistency mortar, that prepared with silica sand, cement and lime. That high pressure steam curing is applied to the molds for gain strength . For commercial purposes cellular concrete products are produced in weight of 400-800 kg /m3 and thermal conductivity value of 0,13-0,25 W/mK. In that case, diatomit was used instead of quartz sand. Being light and rich in silica, high porosity diatomit is a suitable raw material for the production of cellular concrete. Curing was applied at different vapour pressure in the production process. Chemicals and other additives were used to improve the physical and mechanical properties. Through micro porous structure of diatomit and hydrophobic polymer additive, smaller porous structure was gained commercial aerated concrete products. Thermal conductivity coefficient value changes between 0,07- 0,09 W/mK according to the unit weight of sample of produced aerated concrete (375- 285 kg/m3). Hydrophobic polymer and dispersant additives are considered to impact on the development of porous structure. Developed phase structures and the thermal analysis on the samples were examined and compared with commercial aerated concrete samples. 2015, x + 75 pages Key Words: Autoclaved aerated concrete, Diatomit, Steam curing, Autoclave, Thermal conductivity