Study of Foam Glass with High Content of Fly Ash Using Calcium Carbonate as Foaming Agent

Abstract

The foam glasses with high content (50–70%) of fly ash are successfully prepared at a low temperature (800°C) using fly ash as main raw materials, with calcium carbonate and sodium borate as foaming agent and flux agent, respectively. The effects of the contents of fly ash on the density, mechanical strengths and microstructure of samples are discussed. The experimental results show that the foam glass with high content of fly ash sintered at 800°C exhibits the excellent comprehensive properties, including the low bulk density, the high porosity and mechanical strengths which are superior to similar foams prepared before. The preparation of foam glass utilizing high content of fly ash at the low temperature would provide advantages of economical and ecological aspect.