Influence of the Methods of Preparing a Silicate-Sodium Mixture on the Formation of the Structure of Foam Glass Ceramics

Abstract

The fabrication of foam glass ceramics based on diatomite and sodium hydroxide is investigated. The properties of the material depending on the methods of impact on a mixture of components prior to annealing are examined (from the sample heating rate to the annealing temperature). The application of autoclave treatment results in the material’s average density decreasing by a factor of 1.7. A regularity is established regarding the change in the mixture of the silicate module depending on the type of the impact exerted on it. The samples of foam glass ceramics with the average density of 0.45 to 0.75 g/cm³ and a compression strength of 3.4 to 15.1 MPa are fabricated.