Porosity and insulating properties of silica-fume based foams

The synthesis of silica-fume based foams, with a multi-range macroporosity, was obtained by alkaline activation. Foams were obtained through an in situ foaming process. Potassium or sodium alkaline solutions were selected and a temperature of 70 °C was sufficient to promote the development of hydrogen bubbles, the increase of the viscosity and the consolidation of the foams.