Foamed Glass
Foamed Glass
Foamed glass is a lightweight, porous insulating material obtained by foaming glass. It is characterized by a structure composed of closed air cells, which gives it excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing properties.
It is a non-combustible material, resistant to moisture, chemicals, rodents, and mold. Due to these characteristics, foamed glass is an attractive solution in many industrial and construction applications.
Production Process of Foamed Glass
The production of foamed glass involves several key stages:
Raw Material Preparation
The main raw material is glass cullet, often sourced from recycled glass waste, such as bottles, jars, or flat glass. Using recycled glass contributes to environmental protection and reduces the consumption of natural resources.
Grinding
The glass cullet is ground into a fine powder with a granulation typically below 100 micrometers. Precise granulation is crucial for uniform foaming of the material.
Addition of Foaming Agent
A foaming agent, usually carbon (in the form of soot or carbon powder) or chemical compounds such as sodium sulfate, is added to the ground glass. These agents release gases (e.g., CO₂) during heating, which causes the glass mass to foam.
Mixing
The glass powder and foaming agent are thoroughly mixed to ensure even distribution of ingredients and uniform properties of the final product.
Foaming and Firing
Firing: The mixture is subjected to a thermal process in a furnace at temperatures from 700°C to 1000°C. In this phase, the glass softens, and the foaming agent decomposes, releasing gases.
Foaming: The released gases create bubbles in the glass mass, leading to a porous structure with closed cells.
Cooling
After achieving the desired foaming, the material is gradually cooled in controlled conditions to prevent stress and cracking.
Cutting and Final Processing
The cooled block of foamed glass is cut into the desired dimensions and shapes, customized for specific applications. Additional surface processing may also be performed.
Applications of Foamed Glass
Foamed glass has a wide range of applications across various sectors due to its unique properties:
Construction
Thermal Insulation: Used as an insulating material in walls, roofs, floors, and foundations, providing high energy efficiency for buildings.
Moisture Barrier: Due to its low water absorption, it is ideal for insulating foundations and basements.
Fire Resistance: As a non-combustible material, it increases fire safety in constructions.
Road and Railway Infrastructure
Lightweight Fill Material: Used in embankment construction where reducing load on the ground is crucial.
Ground Thermal Insulation: Prevents ground freezing under roads and tracks, increasing infrastructure durability.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
Industrial Installation Insulation: Resistance to chemicals and corrosion makes foamed glass ideal for insulating tanks, pipelines, and process equipment.
Environmental Protection
Filtration: The porous structure allows it to be used as a filtration medium in water and air purification systems.
Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
Drainage and Water Retention: Used in green roofs, recreational areas, and gardens to improve water management and soil aeration.
Acoustics
Sound Insulation: Its sound-absorbing properties are utilized in the construction of acoustic barriers and room insulation.
Advantages of Foamed Glass
Durability and Stability
Resistant to weather conditions, UV radiation, fungi, and pests.
Ecology
The use of recycled glass reduces waste and the consumption of natural resources.
Safety
It does not emit harmful substances, is non-combustible, and non-toxic.
Energy Efficiency
Enhances thermal insulation in buildings, contributing to lower heating and cooling costs.