Modern requirements in the field of energy and resource saving determines the need to apply effective fencing structures. To ensure the thermal homogeneity of the structures erected with small-piece masonry elements (ceramic and light-weight concrete units etc.), it is necessary to use lightweight mortars. One of the most effective methods to obtain such mortars is the introduction of hollow ceramic microspheres as a filler into their composition. The purpose of this work is studying of the composition and structure of a cement masonry mortar with hollow ceramic microspheres and modifying additives in correlation with its properties. The methods of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and standard test methods for the masonry mortars were used. The effect of the structural characteristics of the composite on the properties of final product was analyzed. It is established that the microstructure of the modified mortar samples is more compact in compare with basic composition, and the surface of the microspheres is covered by the products of the chemical interaction of its walls with the cement matrix. The aforesaid research allowed to obtain the high-performance lightweight mortars with hollow ceramic microspheres.
Structure and properties of masonry mortars based on ceramic microspheres
