Vol. 337 No. 4 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/4/5191
Production of aluminosilicate foams and sandwich panels based on them using microwave foaming method
Relevance. The necessity of obtaining fire-resistant thermal insulation geopolymer foams and multilayer structures based on them for use in the production of construction projects and the mechanical engineering field. A promising method for obtaining geopolymer foams is the microwave foaming method due to the high speed of the process, availability and high energy efficiency. Aim. To develop the composition and foaming modes of fire-resistant aluminosilicate foams and produce sandwich panels with a core made of aluminosilicate foam. Objects. Metakaolin, azodicarbonamide, xanthan gum, alkaline sodium silicate solution. Methods. Determination of apparent density, crushing factor, compressive strength, fire resistance, thermal insulation properties, thermogravimetric analysis, digital microscopy, calculation methods. Results. The microwave foaming method allows obtaining aluminosilicate foams with a uniform fine-pored structure. The obtained aluminosilicate foams are characterized by a wide range of compressive strength from 0,9 to 2,8 MPa, and a density from 160 to 380 kg/m3. The addition of azodicarbonamide leads to a significant increase in the foaming ratio, while the most effective concentration of the foaming agent is a concentration of up to 1,5–2 wt %. The aluminosilicate foam developed in the course of this study demonstrates increased thermal stability (up to 600°C) and fire resistance and can be proposed as a filler material for multilayer structures such as sandwich panels. The authors propose the technology for manufacturing a sandwich panel with a core made of aluminosilicate foam and a lining made of mica plastic. It is shown that sandwich panels are characterized by high thermal insulation properties and fire resistance, which allows them to be used for creating construction projects with increased fire safety.
For citation: Kuomalibieke A., Khusainov D.I., Biketov M.V, Andrianova K.A., Amirova L.M. Production of aluminosilicate foams and sandwich panels based on them using microwave foaming method. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 4, pp. 34-44.
Keywords:
microwave foaming, geopolymers, foam, aluminosilicate, xanthan gum, sandwich panel
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