Effects of Sb2O3on the Mechanical Properties of the Borosilicate Foam Glasses Sintered at Low Temperature

Abstract

The physical properties and microstructure of a new kind of borosilicate foam glasses with different Sb2O3doping content are comprehensively investigated. The experimental results show that appropriate addition of Sb2O3has positive impact on the bulk porosity and compressive strength of the foam glass. It is more suitable in this work to introduce 0.9 wt.% Sb2O3into the Na2O-K2O-B2O3-Al2O3-SiO2basic foam glass component and sinter at 775°C. And the obtained foam glasses present much more uniform microstructure, large pore size, and smooth cell walls, which bring them with better performance including a lower bulk density, low water absorption, and an appreciable compressive strength. The microstructure analysis indicates that, with the increase of the content of Sb2O3additives, the cell size tends to increase at first and then decreases. Larger amounts of Sb2O3do not change the crystalline phase of foam glass but increase its vitrification. It is meaningful to prepare the foam glass at a relatively low temperature for reducing the heat energy consumption.