There are two substantially different types of cellular or porous concrete.
Autoclaved aerated concrete, also known under the brand names "Ytong" or "Siporex", can only be produced in special plants. Hydrogen, created through the reaction of cement and aluminium, is used as an expanding agent to build pores in the concrete. The aeration process is therefore a chemical one. To harden the AAC, an energy intensive steam curing at 180-190 °C is essential. This whole process is very hard to control, requires expensive amounts of energy and demands a high investment in immobile machinery.
Foamed concrete, the other type of cellular or porous concrete, is produced with pre-formed foam (produced out of water, foaming agent and air) which is mixed into a cementitious slurry. The aeration process is therefore a physical one. The construction material can be either air cured or steam cured at 60-70 °C only and is therefore more environmental friendly. The machinery investment is substantially lower than for AAC. Foamed concrete can be also produced directly at site by mobile plants. Specifically LithoPore® Aerated Concrete – LPAC allows the reduction of the dry density of concrete from 2400 kg/m³ as low as 75 kg/m³ only.
Aerated concrete / foamed concrete has become very popular and competitive in the last decade. In order to highlight our built and constantly sustained competitive advantage over other technologies as the global market leader we are providing a comprehensive sum up of all the various points in one document. Please click below to download.