![]() After World War II, there existed only a few leading AAC technology suppliers: Siporex and Ytong (both belonging to the Swedes), Durox (bought by the Dutch) and Hebel (German). Different Technologies – International Success of AACĪAC manufacturing went international in 1937 with the introduction of technology licensing and know-how transfer. Good structural properties of the newly created AAC material soon spread all over Western Europe, with more than six plants only in Sweden alone. Siporex was also the first to introduce the AAC reinforced elements in 1935, namely roof, floor panels and lintels. An important competitor arose in 1934, which started to manufacture AAC blocks under the brand name Siporit and renamed as Siporex as of 1937. In 1932, the factory Carlsro Kalkbruk Skovde started with AAC block production and the product acquired the brand name Durox. 3: Pressurized steam curing process in autoclaves (Picture source: Y som i Yxhult by Linda Gustafsson) 2: First large scale manufacturing started in 1929 (Picture source: Y som i Yxhult by Linda Gustafsson)įig. In 1940, the Yxhult name was changed to Ytong as this name was easier to pronounce.įig. ![]() Start of Commercial Manufacturing of AACĮriksson’s success immediately attracted a much-needed commercial interest and in 1929 the first large scale manufacturing facility of these artificially-made crystalized stone blocks was launched in a factory named “Yxhults Stenhuggeri Aktibolag” in Sweden under the name Yxhult (Fig. shrinkage was almost absent after steam curing compared to the normal air curing.Īdditionally, it was also discovered that alternative materials, such as pulverized ash, could be used instead of lime/cement, allowing to economize on the expensive raw material binder. ![]() the material hardened fast thanks to the autoclaving processĢ. While applying for a patent, two crucial conclusions were drawn:ġ. The real breakthrough in the masonry industry came in 1923 when the same architect Axel Eriksson discovered that this moist foamed mass can easily handle pressurized steam curing process, also known as autoclaving. From the beginning to the end the simplified chemical reactions are shown in the above figure, which is the final Tobermorite or Hydrated Calcium Silicate C5S6H5. The combination of cement, lime, gypsum (anhydrite), finely ground sand and most importantly aluminium powder causes the mixture to expand considerably. Swede Axel Eriksson made a serious next step towards developing modern AAC, when in 1920, he patented the methods of making an aerated mix of limestone and ground slate so-called the “lime formula”. Americans Aylsworth and Dyer used aluminium powder and calcium hydroxide to attain porous cementitious mixture for which they also received a patent in 1914. Czech Hoffman successfully tested and patented the method of “aerating” the concrete by carbon dioxide in 1889. In 1880, a German researcher, Michaelis was granted a patent on his steam curing processes. The early history of AAC is based on a series of process patents. AAC stands for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, alternatively known as Aerated Cellular Concrete (ACC) or Autoclaved Lightweight Concrete (ALC). Early History of AACĪAC as a building material has been industrially produced since the beginning of the 20th century. An overview of the latest AAC developments due to continued innovation will conclude with an outlook on the AAC industry landscape. Different AAC manufacturing technologies are hereby described and how competition contributed to ways of making AAC over the years. This review presents the background on AAC discovery, early commercial development and eventual international success. Throughout its existence, AAC has gained a considerable share in international construction markets and today maintains its reputation of the building material of the future. History of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete: The short story of a long-lasting building materialĪutoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a popular building material that draws its roots from the early 20th century.
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