Performance evaluation of foamed materials based on cold-cured liquid glass

: Introduction. The current trend of transition to non-combustible and environmentally friendly thermal insulation and sound-absorbing materials involves development of research to obtain foamed silicate compositions, particularly those based on cold-cured liquid glass. The primary advantage of this material is its eco-friendliness throughout both its operational and production stages, facilitated by the employment of energy-efficient manufacturing technology. Materials and methods. Cold-cured liquid sodium glass and cullet-based foam glass were used as main raw materials. To determine optimal curing additive of liquid glass, Portland cement, slaked lime and sodium ethylsilicate were selected. The thermal conductivity of materials was evaluated with by means of appropriate coefficient, value of which depended on volume content of pores in material, nature of porosity and distribution of pores by size. The decrease in water absorption capacity was estimated by value of wetting edge angle. Sorption humidity was determined in accordance with GOST 24816-2014, and sound absorption coefficient was determined according to GOST 16297-80. Results and discussion. The prime objective of this study was to examine trends and provide explanations for the formation of specified performance indicators of thermal insulation and sound-absorbing materials, particularly those based on cold-cured foamed liquid glass. The issue of increasing water resistance of material by selecting effective additive-hardener was also investigated. Conclusion. The developed thermal insulation material based on cold-cured liquid glass is eco-friendly, with presence of large number of small and mainly open pores, giving it good sound-absorbing properties. The problem of high-water absorption of material was solved by introducing Portland cement as a curing additive.