Comparative study of physical and mechanical properties of a light plaster mortar based on the "SPADAR" foam ceramic granules and similar light fillers

Introduction. Plasters are still one of the most popular materials for finishing of facades of buildings. Modern plasters are produced mainly in the form of ready-to-use dry mixes. Manufacturers set themselves the task of obtaining not only plaster mixtures meeting standards, but also having hydrophobicity, low density, thermal conductivity and other features that determine the functionality of the plaster coating. In this regard, there is a need to develop and implement plaster mixtures based on new types of light aggregates. Aim. To conduct comparative studies of the physical and mechanical properties of a light plaster mortar using the "SPADAR" foam ceramic granules and plaster mortars with similar fillers as a light filler. Materials and methods. The research was carried out on light plaster mortars using as light fillers: "SPADAR" and foam ceramic granules from another manufacturer ("KERWOOD"), foam glass granules, expanded perlite sand. The parameters of density, strength under axial compression, water absorption during capillary suction and thermal conductivity of a light plaster mortar in a dry state were studied. The tests were carried out according to standard methods. Results. The comparative technical characteristics of the studied plaster compositions are determined. During the analysis of the data obtained, the advantages of plaster compositions using foam ceramic granules as a light filler were revealed. Based on the data obtained, the composition of a light plaster mortar with a density of up to 700 kg/m3 using the "SPADAR" foam ceramic granules was developed. Conclusions. The composition of the plaster based on the "SPADAR" foam ceramic granules turned out to be the most effective by the obtained values of the studied characteristics in total. In many ways, the obtained values of the technical characteristics of this plaster studied in this work are provided precisely by the "SPADAR" foam ceramic granules. Based on the results obtained, it is necessary to investigate other properties of the developed compositions of light plaster mixtures (adhesion, vapor permeability, moisture-proof properties with respect to the mineral base, frost resistance, etc.).