Experimental study on surface wrapping strengthening of EPS particles and its concrete performance

Abstract Expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete is a low-carbon green building material, which has the properties of thermal insulation, but its strength is not high at present. To improve the strength of EPS concrete, EPS particles were wrapped on the surface by magnesium phosphate cement, ultra-high performance concrete, and waterborne polyurethane, they were used to make concrete after aging, and then the strength and microproperties of concrete were tested. The test results show that the wrapping material form a shell structure on the surface of EPS particles; the hydrophilic property of the wrapped EPS particles and the uniformity of the concrete have been significantly improved; the contact between the wrapped EPS particles and the cement base has become more closer; the cube compressive strength of concrete is increased by 80–110%, the flexural strength of concrete is increased by 40–90%. The research results of this study are of great significance for EPS concrete used as structural material and fabricated lightweight wallboard.