In recent years, a series of materials have emerged for use in the construction industry, result of research and development processes. Among them is metal foam, which has insulating properties and the same resistance as cement.
Ecological cement that is very light and cheap
This metallic foam, or ecological cement, has been invented by scientists belonging to research teams at the Institute of Materials Science of Seville and the University of Jaén. They claim that this product is non-polluting and sustainable, unlike conventional cement.
It consists of a rigid, porous foam made with ashes left over from burning rice husks and powdered waste from an aluminum factory, so it is very cheap. The result is a paste with the rigidity of cement, in addition to being a good acoustic and thermal insulator.
How to make this metallic foam that will revolutionize the construction industry
geopolymeric foam, What would be the commercial name of metallic foam?is made up of the aforementioned ingredients, which are combined through a chemical reaction process at room temperature that creates porosity and gives rise to fading.
Then, a solution of caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is added to the mixture, which acts as an activator. Subsequently, sodium silicate, a chemical catalyst substance, is placed, so that a medium with a very high or alkaline pH is created.
Making the analogy, it is as if the flour and other solid ingredients are mixed with milk in a procedure similar to when a cake is baked, filling it with holes. But instead of being soft and spongy, the material remains solid like cement, but ductile and malleable.
Likewise, the metal foam is an acoustic and thermal insulator. So you will not only save money due to how cheap the material is, but also due to the reduction in costs inherent to air conditioning. For the tests, we wait for fading and geopolymerization to occur.
Afterwards, it is placed in molds to harden for 24 hours at a temperature between 38 and 58 °C. Then, the next day, the scientists proceed to unmold, leaving the product at room temperature to carry out mechanical and insulating checks.
It is notable that both this material and the technique used to take advantage of industrial waste contribute to creating a circular economy where they are given a new use. By reducing the temperature in the production process, the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere is also reduced.
The uses and applications of metal foam as a sustainable material
The uses are multiples in housing construction, buildings and even has applications in the aeronautical and aerospace industry. It can be used as a light cement, catalyst support for wastewater decontamination, thermal and acoustic insulation, among others.
From an economic point of view, its inventors point out that this material has a patent still pending so to be used on a large scale, it still needs to undergo more tests. But if the studies give a favorable result, it would be on its way to its trial period in companies.
And in this way check its purifying, rigidity and resistance, catalytic and insulating qualities. If these attributes can be established, it will be commercialized and will become a sustainable and cheap alternative for construction.
If metallic foam proves that its properties are true, we will be faced with a material that will surely replace traditional cement, at least for applications where lightness is of vital importance along with insulation and price.
