Investigation and Preparation of the Plastering Mortar for Autoclaved Aerated Blocks Walls

: The increase in the use of aerated concrete blocks (AAB) in construction walls has increased the demand for specialized plastering mortar, which should have the characteristics of high water retention, low water absorption, low thermal conductivity and high toughness. This study scrutinized the potential of expanded and vitriﬁed small ball (EVSB) and expanded perlite as lightweight aggregates, and the beneﬁcial effect of a modifying additive based on a mixture of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ﬁbers has been proved. The dry density, consistency, water absorption, mechanical strength, pore characteristics and micro morphology of the plaster mortar were evaluated. It is manifested by enhanced toughness, reduced dry density, and optimized pore structure characteristics. The relationship between mass water absorption and freeze-thaw cycle resistance is established, which shows that when the mass water absorption is 20%, the mortar exhibits better freeze resistance. After 25 freeze-thaw cycle tests, the mass loss was 0.26% and the strength loss was 1.41%. Through the comparison of test results, a new composition of plastering mortar is provided: cement: ﬂy ash: water: heavy calcium carbonate: quartz sand: EVSB: EVA: HPMC (100,000 mPa · s): ﬁber = 70: 30: 76: 12: 250: 24: 2: 0.3: 0.2. [28], phase change material [29], and expanded polystyrene beads [30]. Li et al. [18] concluded that the heat transfer coefﬁcient of plastering mortar is 0.48 W/(m · K), in which expanded perlite, vitriﬁed microsphere, and 0.04% polypropylene ﬁber were added to prevent the shrinkage and cracking of the mortar. distribution was more uniform. This further shows that the greater the viscosity of HPMC, the more obvious the air-entraining effect.


Introduction
Autoclaved aerated blocks (AABs) have been used in load-bearing and non-loadbearing structures of buildings since the mid-1920s, because of its lower density, good fire resistance, excellent sound insulation and thermal insulation [1], relative excellent impermeability [2] and high resource utilization efficiency [3,4]. AABs are produced through the autoclaving of raw materials, which mainly include calcareous materials, siliceous materials, additives, expanding agents (normally aluminum powder), and water [5]. Then, these autoclaved blocks would be cut to meet the suitable size for use. This would allow continuous capillary pores to be easily formed on the cut surface of AABs, while pores in the interior would be closed and discontinuous. This means that AABs can easily absorb water at the surface, but the degree of water absorption and relieving humidity is very slow [6]. It was found that the single-sided continuous water absorption of AABs with a density of 500 kg/m 3 is 10% at 21 days. The equilibrium moisture content of AABs ranges within 3-4% at atmospheric environment with a relative humidity of 43%, the actual drying shrinkage value is 0.1-0.2 mm/m [5]. However, the re-wetting of AABs by external moisture would increase the drying shrinkage. Hence, mortar for the AABs should be characterized by high water retention [6,7] for fresh mortar, and low water absorption capacity [7] for hardened mortar.
Previous researchers have identified that cellulose and polymers (liquid resins, latexes, re-dispersible powders and water-soluble homopolymers or copolymers) can improve the water retention capacity of mortar [6,8]. Meanwhile, these also have a positive effect on the Previous researchers have identified that cellulose and polymers (liquid resins, latexes, re-dispersible powders and water-soluble homopolymers or copolymers) can improve the water retention capacity of mortar [6,8]. Meanwhile, these also have a positive effect on the bond strength of the mortar [9]. Compared to the reference sample, when the content of re-dispersible emulsion powder was 1.2%, the tensile bond strength increased by 18.9%, and when the cellulose content was 0.2%, the tensile bond strength increased by 85.3% [10]. However, the high bonding strength of the plaster mortar was not necessary, because the AABs are lightweight, porous, and low-density materials. Without changing the surface characteristics of AABs, a thin layer of cement slurry coating was applied to the block surface. Ordinary low-strength mortar can produce a good bonding effect [9,11]. Hence, for the plastering mortar, cellulose and polymers play a more important role in preventing cracking, increasing toughness [10,[12][13][14], and improving serviceability [10]. Furthermore, the independent tiny spherical bubbles generated by the stirring of the mortar mixed with polymer and cellulose enhance the resistance of the mortar to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
As presented in Figure 1a, the typical insulation walls used in China consist of a loadbearing AAB wall (number 1), a plastering mortar layer (number 2), a thermal insulation layer (number 4), an anti-cracking protective layer (numbers 6, 7, and 8), and a finishing layer (number 9). Many facts [15][16][17][18] have proven that this compound structure is scientific. Because of the fact that the thermal conductivity of the masonry mortar used to bond AABs is much higher than that of AABs [9], the existence of these masonry joints leads to the formation of "thermal bridges" [19,20], as presented in Figure 1b. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the heat loss caused by thermal bridges. The formation of the plaster layer of AABs from lightweight aggregates was considered to be the key to solving the "thermal bridges" effect [21,22]. Researchers have explored the potential of cork granules [23], perlite microspheres [24], expanded and vitrified small ball [25], air entraining agents [26,27], expanded vermiculite [28], phase change material [29], and expanded polystyrene beads [30]. Li et al. [18] concluded that the heat transfer coefficient of plastering mortar is 0.48 W/(m·K), in which expanded perlite, vitrified microsphere, and 0.04% polypropylene fiber were added to prevent the shrinkage and cracking of the mortar.  The average density for commonly used AABs ranges within 400-600 kg/m 3 . For the plastering of AAB walls, mortars made from lightweight aggregates are widely used at present, and the average density ranges within 1000-1400 kg/m 3 . This brings a discrepancy in the deformation characteristics between the mortar and AAB, resulting in the debonding through internal stresses at the interface joint between the AAB wall and plastering mortar layer. In this view, the mortar for the plastering of AAB walls should be characterized by high toughness. Cyclic shear tests were employed by researchers to prove that plastering mortar with high toughness can improve the stability of the AAB wall structure [31].
In this paper, in order to develop the plastering for AAB walls, the mortar was modified by compositing EVSB, fibers, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Physical properties of the modified mortar, which included dry density, water absorption, water retention, compressive strength, and flexural strength were evaluated. The technical parameters and performance improvement mechanism were clarified in this study to provide a technical reference for the application field.

Raw Materials
A compound cementitious system composed of P·II 52.5 type Portland Cement (Onada Cement Corp, Nanjing, China) and Class II fly ash (Ordos, China) was used in this experiment. Table 1 shows the chemical composition of cement and fly ash. Figure 2 presents the XRD pattern of fly ash. The physical properties and the particle size distribution of the expanded and vitrified small ball (EVSB) are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Dry and clean quartz sand with a continuous particle size of 0.154-0.500 mm was used as aggregate for the mortar. Heavy calcium carbonate was used as the filling material, which has an average particle size of 0.0455 mm and a bulk density of 1080 kg/m 3 . The appearance of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was white powder with three viscosities of 50,000 mPa·s, 100,000 mPa·s, and 150,000 mPa·s. The re-dispersible emulsion powder appeared as a white solid powder was the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA VINNAPAS-5011L). The length of the polypropylene fiber used in this experiment was 3 mm and 6 mm, respectively. The average density for commonly used AABs ranges within 400-600 kg/m 3 . For the plastering of AAB walls, mortars made from lightweight aggregates are widely used at present, and the average density ranges within 1000-1400 kg/m 3 . This brings a discrepancy in the deformation characteristics between the mortar and AAB, resulting in the debonding through internal stresses at the interface joint between the AAB wall and plastering mortar layer. In this view, the mortar for the plastering of AAB walls should be characterized by high toughness. Cyclic shear tests were employed by researchers to prove that plastering mortar with high toughness can improve the stability of the AAB wall structure [31].
In this paper, in order to develop the plastering for AAB walls, the mortar was modified by compositing EVSB, fibers, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Physical properties of the modified mortar, which included dry density, water absorption, water retention, compressive strength, and flexural strength were evaluated. The technical parameters and performance improvement mechanism were clarified in this study to provide a technical reference for the application field.

Raw Materials
A compound cementitious system composed of P·II 52.5 type Portland Cement (Onada Cement Corp, Nanjing, China) and Class II fly ash (Ordos, China) was used in this experiment. Table 1 shows the chemical composition of cement and fly ash. Figure 2 presents the XRD pattern of fly ash. The physical properties and the particle size distribution of the expanded and vitrified small ball (EVSB) are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Dry and clean quartz sand with a continuous particle size of 0.154-0.500 mm was used as aggregate for the mortar. Heavy calcium carbonate was used as the filling material, which has an average particle size of 0.0455 mm and a bulk density of 1080 kg/m 3 . The appearance of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was white powder with three viscosities of 50,000 mPa·s, 100,000 mPa·s, and 150,000 mPa·s. The re-dispersible emulsion powder appeared as a white solid powder was the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA VINNAPAS-5011L). The length of the polypropylene fiber used in this experiment was 3 mm and 6 mm, respectively.

Mix Proportion
The proportion of various materials in the mixture was calculated as the mass percentage. Cementitious materials, heavy calcium carbonate, and sand were mixed at a constant ratio (1.00:0.12:2.50). The additional levels of EVSB was 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, and 28%, by mass of the binder, respectively. The dosage of the EVA was set as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the cementitious materials. The dosage of the HPMC with different viscosities was set as 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% of the binder. The water/binder ratio (ratio of water to the total mass of fly ash and cement) was set as 0.68, 0.72, 0.76, 0.80, and 0.84. The cement and fly ash were weighed and mixed well (the mass ratio of cement and fly ash were 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50). Then, the mixture was mixed with the heavy calcium carbonate, EVSB, EVA, and HPMC. Afterwards, water was mixed with the solid mixtures, and stirred at high speed for three minutes. Finally, the fibers were added into the above-mentioned mixture, and stirred for three minutes before molding.

Test and Characterization
The specimens with molds were placed in a standard curing box, with a temperature of 20 ± 2 • C and a relative humidity of more than 95% for 24 ± 1 h. Then, the specimens were released from the molds and were further cured until 7 d, 28 d, 90 d.
The water retention test was conducted in accordance to DIN 18555-7 [32] using a filter-film allowing water to filter through, which is fixed on absorbent filter papers. The water retention rate was calculated based on the ratio of the mass of water absorbed by the filter papers. The consistence test for the workability evaluation was conducted in accordance to JGJ/T 70-2009 [33], with the depth of a standard cone sinking into the mortar mixture during the specified time.
According to JGJ/T 70-2009 [33], fresh mortar composites were cast into cubes molds, with a size of 70.7 mm × 70.7 mm × 70.7 mm, for the compressive strength test and freeze resistance test. After immersing in water for two days, specimens that were cured for 28 days underwent 25 freeze-thaw cycles. For each test, six specimens were tested and the average values were reported.
Based on GB/T 17671-1999 [34], three specimens, with a size of 40 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm, were prepared for the flexural strength test and the average values were reported. Using a universal testing machine, the load-displacement curve was obtained from the test.
The thermal conductivity of the material was evaluated through the dry density of the mortar [27]. The difference between the weight of the specimen under water-saturated and fully dried (dried at 105 • C to constant weight) conditions was used to calculate the water absorption of the hardened mortar. This is an intuitive approach to evaluate the porosity of mortars [28]. According to Archimedes principle, the dry density of specimens obtained from the broken sample after the flexural strength test can be determined by weighing. These were calculated using the following equation: where, A is the mass water absorption (%), W S is the weight of the specimens under watersaturated condition (g), W 0 is the weight of the specimens under fully dried condition (g), V is the drainage volume of the specimens under water-saturated condition (mm 3 ), ρ is the dry density of the specimen(kg/m 3 ). An X-ray diffractometer (D max/RB Japan Rigaku Corporation) with a copper target (λ = 1.5418 Å, 40 kV, 30 mA) was used. The sample to be tested was dried to constant weight, and tested after grinding. The scanning diffraction 2θ angle was 5 •~8 0 • , and the scanning speed was 2 • /min.
The mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to analyze the pore structure and pore size distribution of the test sample. The specimens were first broken into pieces, with a diameter of 2.5 to 5 mm. Then these were soaked in acetone solution, and finally taken out and dried before the test (Poremaster GT-60; Quanta chrome, Houston, TX, USA)

Effect of the Water-Binder Ratio on Mortar Properties
The experimental mix ratio was calculated according to the weight. The ratio was, as follows: cement: fly ash: heavy calcium carbonate: quartz sand: EVSB: EVA: HPMC (50,000 mPa·s) = 72:28: 12:250: 30: 0.9:0.6. The water-binder ratio was 0.68, 0.72, 0.76, 0.80, and 0.84. Table 4 shows the performance of the mortar cured for 28 days. It can be seen that the dry density, the compressive strength, and flexural strength decreased as the W/B ratio (the ratio of water to the total mass of fly ash and cement) increased. The reasons were because part of the water in the mortar participates in the hydration of the cementitious material, and the excess water evaporated, forming the porosity in the mortar. This can be verified through the increase in mass water absorption. When the W/B ratio increased from 0.68 to 0.84, the mass water absorption of the mortar increased by 8.3%. Therefore, the W/B ratio was considered suitable to be controlled at about 0.76, and the responding consistency of the mortar is about 60 mm and the strength of mortar can meet the requirements with a small density.

Optimum for Lightweight Aggregate
To ensure the rational selection of lightweight aggregates for the mortar, both EVSB and expanded perlite have the same particle size and a constant mix proportion. The effect of expanded perlite on the dry density and compressive strength of mortar was similar to EVSB. But at the same content, the compressive strength of the mortar, with expanded perlite as aggregate at 28 days, was lower than that of mortar with EVSB, as shown in Tables 5 and 6. When the dosages were 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, and 28%, the compressive strength of the mortar was reduced by 3.5 MPa, 1.0 MPa, 1.2 MPa, 1.1 Mpa, and 1.7 MPa respectively. Mechanical properties and workability of the mortar were largely determined through the pore structure, which was most affected by the water requirement of the aggregate used. It has been reported that the incorporation of aggregates that are more porous leads to higher water absorption of the mortar [28]. Compared to the expanded perlite, EVSB has an almost smooth surface, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the water demand of the mortar with expanded perlite increased because of the high wettability. This reduced the workability of the mortar. Hence, EVSB is more suitable for the lightweight aggregate of plastering mortars. the aggregate used. It has been reported that the incorporation of aggregates that are more porous leads to higher water absorption of the mortar [28]. Compared to the expanded perlite, EVSB has an almost smooth surface, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the water demand of the mortar with expanded perlite increased because of the high wettability. This reduced the workability of the mortar. Hence, EVSB is more suitable for the lightweight aggregate of plastering mortars. It can be observed from Table 6 that the amount of EVSB had a greater influence on the dry density of the mortar. As the ratio of EVSB to cement increased, the dry density of the mortar significantly decreased. This correspondingly improved the thermal insulation performance of the mortar.  The compressive strength was greatly affected by the content of EVSB. There are three reasons. First, the increase of EVSB content reduces the mass of cementitious material per unit volume due to the high volume fraction that stemmed from the low density. Second, EVSB was used as an aggregate. This can easily generate bubbles during the mixing process, which increases the porosity of the insulation mortar, and reduces the compactness. At the same time, this would also increase the water absorption. This was in It can be observed from Table 6 that the amount of EVSB had a greater influence on the dry density of the mortar. As the ratio of EVSB to cement increased, the dry density of the mortar significantly decreased. This correspondingly improved the thermal insulation performance of the mortar.
The compressive strength was greatly affected by the content of EVSB. There are three reasons. First, the increase of EVSB content reduces the mass of cementitious material per unit volume due to the high volume fraction that stemmed from the low density. Second, EVSB was used as an aggregate. This can easily generate bubbles during the mixing process, which increases the porosity of the insulation mortar, and reduces the compactness. At the same time, this would also increase the water absorption. This was in agreement with previous observation reports [35][36][37]. Third, EVSB, as a lightweight aggregate, is not as mechanically strong as quartz sand. Hence, this would weaken the role of the skeleton when added. Liu et al. [38] agrees that EVSB forms a new skeleton to bear with the stress and dissipation of energy. Although this would reduce the elastic modulus of the plaster mortar, the plastic deformation ability of the plaster mortar improved.
Therefore, the dosage of EVSB was considered suitable to be controlled at approximately 24%, in which the mortar has a small density, ensuring strength.

Fly Ash
Replacing the cement with fly ash can reduce the use of cement, thereby reducing the costs. Studies have also shown that fly ash has a certain inhibitory effect on the drying shrinkage of mortar [37]. At the same time, the water requirement is reduced, which improves the workability of the mixture [39]. Figure 4 shows the relationship between the content of fly ash and the consistency of the mortar. It can be observed that fly ash can increase the consistency of the mortar through its approximately spherical glass microsphere particles. However, when the fly ash content was more than 40%, the consistency began to decrease, due to the smaller particle size and larger specific surface area of the fly ash.
with the stress and dissipation of energy. Although this would reduce the elastic modu of the plaster mortar, the plastic deformation ability of the plaster mortar improved.
Therefore, the dosage of EVSB was considered suitable to be controlled at appr mately 24%, in which the mortar has a small density, ensuring strength.

Fly Ash
Replacing the cement with fly ash can reduce the use of cement, thereby reducing costs. Studies have also shown that fly ash has a certain inhibitory effect on the dry shrinkage of mortar [37]. At the same time, the water requirement is reduced, which proves the workability of the mixture [39]. Figure 4 shows the relationship between content of fly ash and the consistency of the mortar. It can be observed that fly ash increase the consistency of the mortar through its approximately spherical glass mi sphere particles. However, when the fly ash content was more than 40%, the consiste began to decrease, due to the smaller particle size and larger specific surface area of fly ash.   Figure 5a shows the relationship between the compressive strength of the mortar block at 28 days and the content of fly ash. When the content of fly ash increased fr 10% to 20%, the strength of the mortar decreased the most, indicating that a small amo of fly ash had a great influence on the compressive strength of the mortar. The reaso that the hydration rate of fly ash is slow, and the total amount of hydration product the system was small [40,41]. When the content of fly ash was increased, the amoun cement with higher brittleness was correspondingly reduced. This reduced the comp sive strength-to-flexural strength ratio of the mortar, and improved the toughness. Ga al. [42] used the method of combining nanoindentation and scanning electron microsco and concluded that the addition of fly ash can reduce the elastic modulus of the mi structure of the mortar. This conclusion was also proven through macroscopic exp ments. However, when the content of fly ash was too high, the negative effect of fly on the flexural strength of mortar increased, and the ratio of compressive strength-to-f ural strength ratio started to increase, as shown in Figure 5b.  Figure 5a shows the relationship between the compressive strength of the mortar test block at 28 days and the content of fly ash. When the content of fly ash increased from 10% to 20%, the strength of the mortar decreased the most, indicating that a small amount of fly ash had a great influence on the compressive strength of the mortar. The reason is that the hydration rate of fly ash is slow, and the total amount of hydration products in the system was small [40,41]. When the content of fly ash was increased, the amount of cement with higher brittleness was correspondingly reduced. This reduced the compressive strength-toflexural strength ratio of the mortar, and improved the toughness. Gao et al. [42] used the method of combining nanoindentation and scanning electron microscopy, and concluded that the addition of fly ash can reduce the elastic modulus of the microstructure of the mortar. This conclusion was also proven through macroscopic experiments. However, when the content of fly ash was too high, the negative effect of fly ash on the flexural strength of mortar increased, and the ratio of compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio started to increase, as shown in Figure 5b.

EVA
EVSB is a hollow low-density spherical particle with a vitrified surface, and provides high fluidity during the mixing process [25,38,43]. Hence, the particles can easily float in the mortar, which seriously affects the serviceability of the mortar. Therefore, it is necessary to add additives to improve the uniformity of the mortar. EVA is a high-molecular polymer, which has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in the molecule. When this is dispersed in water, the hydrophobic group is adsorbed on the surface of the EVSB particles, and the hydrophilic group is bonded to the outside solution [44]. This has an agglomeration effect on aggregates and gelling materials, and enables aggregates to be easily wrapped by the slurry.
The results for the dry density, compressive strength, and flexural strength of the mortar samples that contained 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% EVA are shown in Figures 6  and 7. It can be seen that the dry density of the mortar with 1% EVA content was the largest. Compared to the mortar with 0% content, EVA can induce the aggregate to be evenly distributed inside the mortar, instead of floating on the surface. In this manner, packing is denser. However, as the EVA content continued to increase, the dry density of the mortar decreased, and the dry density of the mortar with an EVA content of 5% was similar to the control (0%). This was due to the air-entraining effect of the EVA, which caused an increase in porosity inside the mortar.
It can be seen from Figure 7 that for the different age groups, the effect of EVA content on the strength of the mortar was roughly the same. The addition of a small amount of EVA can increase the flexural and compressive strength of the mortar. For the different age groups, the compressive strength of the mortar was highest when the EVA content was 1%, which corresponds to the effect of the EVA content on the dry density in Figure  6. The dry density of the mortar with 1% EVA content was the largest, and the test block was the most compact. Hence, the strength was also the highest. A small amount of EVA forms a polymer film in the pores. This polymer film has toughness and elasticity. When the mortar is subjected to external forces, the interwoven polymer film would relieve the internal stress of the mortar, thereby reducing the strain. Nazia Tarannum [45] agrees that the polymer has a function similar to the mobile joint between particles of cement mortars, which can reduce the stress and improve the resistance to deformation. Figure 8 shows that compared with the control mortar without EVA, the micro cracks of mortars with 2% EVA content significantly decreased. The polymer membrane filled the pores of the hydration product, making the structure more compact, but there were still some large pores.

EVA
EVSB is a hollow low-density spherical particle with a vitrified surface, and provides high fluidity during the mixing process [25,38,43]. Hence, the particles can easily float in the mortar, which seriously affects the serviceability of the mortar. Therefore, it is necessary to add additives to improve the uniformity of the mortar. EVA is a high-molecular polymer, which has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in the molecule. When this is dispersed in water, the hydrophobic group is adsorbed on the surface of the EVSB particles, and the hydrophilic group is bonded to the outside solution [44]. This has an agglomeration effect on aggregates and gelling materials, and enables aggregates to be easily wrapped by the slurry.
The results for the dry density, compressive strength, and flexural strength of the mortar samples that contained 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% EVA are shown in Figures 6 and 7. It can be seen that the dry density of the mortar with 1% EVA content was the largest. Compared to the mortar with 0% content, EVA can induce the aggregate to be evenly distributed inside the mortar, instead of floating on the surface. In this manner, packing is denser. However, as the EVA content continued to increase, the dry density of the mortar decreased, and the dry density of the mortar with an EVA content of 5% was similar to the control (0%). This was due to the air-entraining effect of the EVA, which caused an increase in porosity inside the mortar.  For the increase in content of EVA, the air-entraining effect of the EVA is reflected, and the porosity of the mortar is increased. This effect is much greater than the cohesion It can be seen from Figure 7 that for the different age groups, the effect of EVA content on the strength of the mortar was roughly the same. The addition of a small amount of EVA can increase the flexural and compressive strength of the mortar. For the different age groups, the compressive strength of the mortar was highest when the EVA content was 1%, which corresponds to the effect of the EVA content on the dry density in Figure 6. The dry density of the mortar with 1% EVA content was the largest, and the test block was the most compact. Hence, the strength was also the highest. A small amount of EVA forms a polymer film in the pores. This polymer film has toughness and elasticity. When the mortar is subjected to external forces, the interwoven polymer film would relieve the internal stress of the mortar, thereby reducing the strain. Nazia Tarannum [45] agrees that the polymer has a function similar to the mobile joint between particles of cement mortars, which can reduce the stress and improve the resistance to deformation. Figure 8 shows that compared with the control mortar without EVA, the micro cracks of mortars with 2% EVA content significantly decreased. The polymer membrane filled the pores of the hydration product, making the structure more compact, but there were still some large pores.  For the increase in content of EVA, the air-entraining effect of the EVA is reflected, and the porosity of the mortar is increased. This effect is much greater than the cohesion For the increase in content of EVA, the air-entraining effect of the EVA is reflected, and the porosity of the mortar is increased. This effect is much greater than the cohesion of the EVA, causing the strength to decrease. The reduction in the density of the thermal insulation mortar, allowed this to achieve the thermal insulation effect, and have better mechanical properties. For the thermal insulation mortar prepared in this experiment, it was suitable to use the EVA with a content of 2%.

HPMC
In view of the hydrophobicity and low density characteristics of EVSB particles, HPMC has the same effect as EVA, which can prevent the separation and bleeding of mortar during the mixing process, and has good effects of water retention and thickening [46][47][48].
HPMC is a non-ionic water-soluble organic polymer with hydrophilic hydroxyl and ether bonds in its molecular structure. The water molecules in mortar combine with the oxygen atoms on the hydroxyl group and the ether bond to form a hydrogen bond, and HPMC forms a gel with water, which makes the free water lose its fluidity [46]. Therefore, HPMC has a water retention effect. Figure 9a shows that when the HPMC (50,000 mPa·s) content is from 0% to 0.3%, the water retention rate of the mortar increased from 83.0% to 91.0%, and when the HPMC content was more than 0.6%, the water retention rate gently increased. The influence law of HPMC on mortar consistency in Figure 9b shows that regardless of the amount of the HPMC, this would have a great improvement effect on mortar consistency, and this has the best effect when the content is 0.1%. By comparing the effects of HPMC with the three kinds of viscosity, it can be found that water retention increases with the increase in HPMC viscosity, and HPMC, with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s has the most obvious effect of increasing consistency. Paweł Pichniarczyk [46] agrees that low viscosity cannot provide good performance. of the EVA, causing the strength to decrease. The reduction in the density of the thermal insulation mortar, allowed this to achieve the thermal insulation effect, and have better mechanical properties. For the thermal insulation mortar prepared in this experiment, it was suitable to use the EVA with a content of 2%.

HPMC
In view of the hydrophobicity and low density characteristics of EVSB particles, HPMC has the same effect as EVA, which can prevent the separation and bleeding of mortar during the mixing process, and has good effects of water retention and thickening [46][47][48].
HPMC is a non-ionic water-soluble organic polymer with hydrophilic hydroxyl and ether bonds in its molecular structure. The water molecules in mortar combine with the oxygen atoms on the hydroxyl group and the ether bond to form a hydrogen bond, and HPMC forms a gel with water, which makes the free water lose its fluidity [46]. Therefore, HPMC has a water retention effect. Figure 9a shows that when the HPMC (50,000 mPa·s) content is from 0% to 0.3%, the water retention rate of the mortar increased from 83.0% to 91.0%, and when the HPMC content was more than 0.6%, the water retention rate gently increased. The influence law of HPMC on mortar consistency in Figure 9b shows that regardless of the amount of the HPMC, this would have a great improvement effect on mortar consistency, and this has the best effect when the content is 0.1%. By comparing the effects of HPMC with the three kinds of viscosity, it can be found that water retention increases with the increase in HPMC viscosity, and HPMC, with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s has the most obvious effect of increasing consistency. Paweł Pichniarczyk [46] agrees that low viscosity cannot provide good performance.  Figure 10a,b shows the relationship between the mechanical strength of the mortar at 28 days, and the different contents of HPMC with two different viscosities. Regardless of the content of HPMC, the mechanical strength of the mortar would significantly decrease. This is consistent with the results reported by many studies [10,49]. When the HPMC content was more than 0.3%, the downward trend of flexural and compressive strength tends to be gentle. However, at the same content, the mechanical strength of mortars mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s was higher, when compared to that with a viscosity of 150,000 mPa·s. The crack resistance of the mortar was evaluated using the compressive strength-flexural strength ratio. As shown in Figure 10c, as the content of HPMC increased, the ratio decreased and this improved the crack resistance. When the curves for the HPMC of both viscosities were at the 0.3% position, the slope of the line decreased, indicating that the degree of improvement in crack resistance decreased.  Figure 10a,b shows the relationship between the mechanical strength of the mortar at 28 days, and the different contents of HPMC with two different viscosities. Regardless of the content of HPMC, the mechanical strength of the mortar would significantly decrease. This is consistent with the results reported by many studies [10,49]. When the HPMC content was more than 0.3%, the downward trend of flexural and compressive strength tends to be gentle. However, at the same content, the mechanical strength of mortars mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s was higher, when compared to that with a viscosity of 150,000 mPa·s. The crack resistance of the mortar was evaluated using the compressive strength-flexural strength ratio. As shown in Figure 10c, as the content of HPMC increased, the ratio decreased and this improved the crack resistance. When the curves for the HPMC of both viscosities were at the 0.3% position, the slope of the line decreased, indicating that the degree of improvement in crack resistance decreased.
shows the relationship between the pore size distribution of thermal insulation mortar and the viscosity of HPMC. It can be intuitively observed that the total pore volume of the mortar mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 150,000 mPa·s was greater than the mortar mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s. The pore size of the former was relatively large, while the pore size of the latter was mainly distributed below 0.5 μm, and the pore size distribution was more uniform. This further shows that the greater the viscosity of HPMC, the more obvious the air-entraining effect.  HPMC reduces the mechanical strength of cement mortar, which was mainly because HPMC introduces gas into the slurry. These gases form pores after the mortar hardens, which reduces the compactness of the mortar structure and thereby reduces the mechanical strength. The increase in water absorption in Figure 10d also proves the increase in pores inside the mortar. Chen Shi [49] agrees that although the introduction of pores reduces the strength, the excellent water retention capacity can improve the stability of ettringaite in the late age, thereby ensuring the development of late strength. Figure 11 shows the relationship between the pore size distribution of thermal insulation mortar and the viscosity of HPMC. It can be intuitively observed that the total pore volume of the mortar mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 150,000 mPa·s was greater than the mortar mixed with HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s. The pore size of the former was relatively large, while the pore size of the latter was mainly distributed below 0.5 µm, and the pore size distribution was more uniform. This further shows that the greater the viscosity of HPMC, the more obvious the air-entraining effect. Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 17 In order to reduce the influence of air entrainment on mechanical strength, HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s was selected, and the modified mortar with different dosages was used for 25 freeze-thaw cycles. The relationship between mass and strength loss rate and HPMC content is shown in Figure 12a,b, respectively. When the amount of HPMC was less than 0.4%, the greater the dosage, the lower the quality and strength loss of the mortar after 25 freeze-thaw cycles. The water absorption of the mortar can roughly reflect its air content. HPMC, as an air-entraining agent, improves the water absorption of mortars after being mixed. Figure 12c,d show the changes of the mass and strength loss with the water absorption rate after 25 freeze-thaw cycles on the mortar, respectively. The greater the water absorption rate of the mortar, the lower the loss rate of quality and strength. However, when the water absorption rate was greater than 20%, the loss rate increased.
This phenomenon can be explained by the hydrostatic pressure theory [50]. When the water in the pores of the mortar freezes, the volume would expand by 9%, causing the unfrozen solution in the pores to migrate outward from the frozen area. In this process, the migration of water overcomes the viscous resistance, and results in the formation of hydrostatic pressure, thereby damaging the internal structure of the mortar. The effect of the pore structure on the antifreeze performance was mainly, as follows: Pores with larger pore diameters would not adversely affect the frost resistance of the mortar; the medium pore diameter capillary holes and micro cracks in the matrix pores are the main factors that cause adverse effects on the antifreeze performance, while gel pores with the smallest pore size have little adverse effect on the antifreeze performance [51]. Incorporating HPMC into the slurry can introduce uniformly distributed and stably closed pores that would not adversely affect the frost resistance. These pores reduce the spacing of the internal pores of the mortar, which in turn, reduce the migration path of water in the pores during the freezing process, causing a good buffering effect on the expansion pressure caused by the freezing of water in the pores. However, when the water absorption rate was more than 20%, that is, the air content was too large, the pore spacing would be too small, resulting in the decrease in strength of the pore structure [52], and the decrease in ability to resist freezing expansion pressure. In order to reduce the influence of air entrainment on mechanical strength, HPMC with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s was selected, and the modified mortar with different dosages was used for 25 freeze-thaw cycles. The relationship between mass and strength loss rate and HPMC content is shown in Figure 12a,b, respectively. When the amount of HPMC was less than 0.4%, the greater the dosage, the lower the quality and strength loss of the mortar after 25 freeze-thaw cycles. The water absorption of the mortar can roughly reflect its air content. HPMC, as an air-entraining agent, improves the water absorption of mortars after being mixed. Figure 12c,d show the changes of the mass and strength loss with the water absorption rate after 25 freeze-thaw cycles on the mortar, respectively. The greater the water absorption rate of the mortar, the lower the loss rate of quality and strength. However, when the water absorption rate was greater than 20%, the loss rate increased.
This phenomenon can be explained by the hydrostatic pressure theory [50]. When the water in the pores of the mortar freezes, the volume would expand by 9%, causing the unfrozen solution in the pores to migrate outward from the frozen area. In this process, the migration of water overcomes the viscous resistance, and results in the formation of hydrostatic pressure, thereby damaging the internal structure of the mortar. The effect of the pore structure on the antifreeze performance was mainly, as follows: Pores with larger pore diameters would not adversely affect the frost resistance of the mortar; the medium pore diameter capillary holes and micro cracks in the matrix pores are the main factors that cause adverse effects on the antifreeze performance, while gel pores with the smallest pore size have little adverse effect on the antifreeze performance [51]. Incorporating HPMC into the slurry can introduce uniformly distributed and stably closed pores that would not adversely affect the frost resistance. These pores reduce the spacing of the internal pores of the mortar, which in turn, reduce the migration path of water in the pores during the freezing process, causing a good buffering effect on the expansion pressure caused by the freezing of water in the pores. However, when the water absorption rate was more than 20%, that is, the air content was too large, the pore spacing would be too small, resulting in the decrease in strength of the pore structure [52], and the decrease in ability to resist freezing expansion pressure.

Fibers
3-mm and 6-mm polypropylene (PP) fibers, with contents of 0, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8%, were used to investigate the effect of fiber on the crack resistance of the mortar. Figure 13 shows the relationship between the polypropylene fiber content and the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio of the mortar at 28 days. It can be seen that a small content of fiber in the mortar can significantly reduce this ratio, and that the fiber modification effect was the best at 0.2% content. When the content ranged within 0.2%-0.6%, the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio of mortar mixed with two lengths of fiber was much lower than that of mortar without fiber, and in this range, the effect of the 3-mm fiber was better than 6-mm fiber. As the fiber content continued to increase, the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio also continued to increase. This was because the excess fiber reduced the workability of the mortar. In order to characterize the toughness of the mortar in a better manner, a load-displacement test was carried out.

Fibers
3-mm and 6-mm polypropylene (PP) fibers, with contents of 0, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8%, were used to investigate the effect of fiber on the crack resistance of the mortar. Figure 13 shows the relationship between the polypropylene fiber content and the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio of the mortar at 28 days. It can be seen that a small content of fiber in the mortar can significantly reduce this ratio, and that the fiber modification effect was the best at 0.2% content. When the content ranged within 0.2%-0.6%, the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio of mortar mixed with two lengths of fiber was much lower than that of mortar without fiber, and in this range, the effect of the 3-mm fiber was better than 6-mm fiber. As the fiber content continued to increase, the compressive strength-to-flexural strength ratio also continued to increase. This was because the excess fiber reduced the workability of the mortar. In order to characterize the toughness of the mortar in a better manner, a load-displacement test was carried out.  Although the curve with the lowest slope in Figure 14b was the 0.2% fiber content, the difference among the slopes of the five curves was small. The comparison with Figure  14a shows that the influence of the 6-mm fiber on the elastic modulus of the mortar was less than the 3-mm fiber. Previous studies [53][54][55] have also shown that fibers do not significantly change the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the specimen. The conclusions obtained in Figure 14 were roughly consistent with those obtained in Figure 13. When the polypropylene fiber content was 0.2%, the effect of improving the toughness was the best. Danar Altalabani et al. [54] concluded that fibers can enhance the ductility of cement-based materials, but considers that only the use of macroscopic and hybrid fibers can significantly improve the toughness.

Conclusions
The research was dedicated to the development of a novel plastering mortar for AAB walls, which were characterized with a decrease in density and heat conductivity, and an increase in toughness and durability, when compared with presently used products. The following conclusions are drawn from this study: (1) Based on the test results, the best mix proportion was drawn, and the ratio was, as follows: cement: fly ash: water: heavy calcium carbonate: quartz sand:  Although the curve with the lowest slope in Figure 14b was the 0.2% fiber content, the difference among the slopes of the five curves was small. The comparison with Figure 14a shows that the influence of the 6-mm fiber on the elastic modulus of the mortar was less than the 3-mm fiber. Previous studies [53][54][55] have also shown that fibers do not significantly change the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the specimen. The conclusions obtained in Figure 14 were roughly consistent with those obtained in Figure 13. When the polypropylene fiber content was 0.2%, the effect of improving the toughness was the best. Danar Altalabani et al. [54] concluded that fibers can enhance the ductility of cement-based materials, but considers that only the use of macroscopic and hybrid fibers can significantly improve the toughness.  Although the curve with the lowest slope in Figure 14b was the 0.2% fiber content, the difference among the slopes of the five curves was small. The comparison with Figure  14a shows that the influence of the 6-mm fiber on the elastic modulus of the mortar was less than the 3-mm fiber. Previous studies [53][54][55] have also shown that fibers do not significantly change the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the specimen. The conclusions obtained in Figure 14 were roughly consistent with those obtained in Figure 13. When the polypropylene fiber content was 0.2%, the effect of improving the toughness was the best. Danar Altalabani et al. [54] concluded that fibers can enhance the ductility of cement-based materials, but considers that only the use of macroscopic and hybrid fibers can significantly improve the toughness.

Conclusions
The research was dedicated to the development of a novel plastering mortar for AAB walls, which were characterized with a decrease in density and heat conductivity, and an increase in toughness and durability, when compared with presently used products. The following conclusions are drawn from this study: (1) Based on the test results, the best mix proportion was drawn, and the ratio was, as follows: cement: fly ash: water: heavy calcium carbonate: quartz sand:

Conclusions
The research was dedicated to the development of a novel plastering mortar for AAB walls, which were characterized with a decrease in density and heat conductivity, and an increase in toughness and durability, when compared with presently used products. The following conclusions are drawn from this study: (1) Based on the test results, the best mix proportion was drawn, and the ratio was, as follows: cement: fly ash: water: heavy calcium carbonate: quartz sand:EVSB:EVA:HPMC (100,000 mPa·s):fiber = 70:30:76:12:250:24:2:0.3:0.2. (2) In order to achieve the purpose of reducing the heat transfer coefficient, the effects of two types of lightweight fillers on the performance of mortars were evaluated. Contrary to the expanded perlite, the hydrophobicity of EVSB particles would reduce the water absorption of the mortar, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the mortar. (3) The incorporation of fly ash can improve the workability of the freshly mixed mortar, and reduce the mechanical strength of the mortar. When the fly ash content was less than 40%, increasing the content can improve the crack resistance of the mortar. (4) 2% EVA can reduce the micro cracks and fill the pores, improving mortar compactness.
EVA enhances the cohesion and air-entraining properties of the mortar, and jointly affects the dry density of the mortar. (5) In terms of workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, mass water absorption, and pore structure, the optimum dosage of HPMC (100,000 mPa·s) was 0.3%. After 25 freeze-thaw cycle tests, the mass loss was 0.26%, and the strength loss was 1.41%. (6) The 3-mm fiber had a better effect in improving the crack resistance of the mortar, when compared to the 6-mm fiber. When the content was 0.2%, this had the best toughness improvement effect, and exhibited greater deformation under the same load.

Data Availability Statement:
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.