Experimental Study of the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Lightweight Toughness Cement-Based Composites

The effects of cenospheres, an industrial waste residue, on the compressive strength, flexural strength, toughness, ductility, chemical component, microstructures, and micromechanics of lightweight toughness cement-based composites (LTCCs) by comprehensive experimental tests are explored in this paper. The results indicate that an increase in the amount of cenospheres leads to a decrease in the compressive and flexural strength of LTCCs. However, the specific strength of LTCCs increases with increasing cenosphere content. LTCCs containing 20% cenospheres and 1% fiber volume have the best toughness and ductility. Significant strain hardening occurs during the four-point bending and uniaxial tensile process. Furthermore, the incorporation of cenospheres promotes the hydration reaction of LTCCs due to its high pozzolanic activity. The LTCC cement paste has a low bonding strength to the fiber, which helps the fiber to be pulled out to produce greater bending deformation and tensile strain. The elastic modulus and hardness of the LTCC cement paste decrease linearly with increasing cenosphere content, which also causes the LTCC microstructure to become loose and more ettringite to generate. The weak interfacial transition zone between the cenospheres and the cement matrix is the important reason for the decreasing compressive strength of the LTCC. In conclusion, LTCC incorporating cenospheres is suitable for long-span steel deck pavements due to its light weight and excellent toughness. The successful application of cenospheres in engineering construction can save natural resources and contribute to sustainable development.