USING A SODIUM SILICATE SOLUTION TO PRODUCE IN MICROWAVE FIELD A HIGH-STRENGTH POROUS GLASS FOAM

Abstract

Another experimental application of the nonconventional microwave heating technique in the manufacturing process of a porous glass foam with high mechanical strength confirmed the high energy efficiency of this procedure compared to the conventional techniques.  The specific energy consumption of the manufacturing process was very low (0.72-0.73 kWh/kg).  Due to its physical, thermal, mechanical and microstructural characteristics (apparent density of 0.23-0.27 g/cm³, porosity of 87.7-89.5%, thermal conductivity of 0.063-0.070 W/m·K, compressive strength of 6.4-6.8 MPa and pore size between 0.2-0.6 mm) the product can enter in the foam glass gravel category usable as a thermal insulating material in construction in application fields that require mechanical, chemical and thermal shock resistance.