Foam glass - look at all the advantages and disadvantages of thermal insulation material

Before we deal with the existing advantages and disadvantages of foam glass, it should be clarified, what constitutes this type of product.Foam glass is called a new insulating material, although this is not entirely true.It was invented and became applicable even before the war, and authorship belongs to the Soviet scientist Kaygorodskomu II, although this is disputed by the Americans.They were parallel research work and achieved some success.

Active use of this material in various fields (construction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, utilities, chemical industry and many others) began only in recent years, and all products are mainly imported.This explains the fact that it is called a novelty in our market.

What is foam glass?This material has several names, such as cellular glass, foamed.It becomes clear that the main components for the production of (similar to cellular concrete) are silicates and blowing.Initial weight, heated to a high temperature (about 800 - 1000 ° C), foams, and upon further cooling becomes a durable material with special properties.On the market it is in the form of solid samples (sheets, plates, blocks) or granules.

Since foam glass is still little known to the average consumer, it is useful to give some evidence about the unique properties of this material.

main characteristics of foam glass

Tensile strength (MPa):

• bending - from 0.4 to 0.6;
• compression - from 0.65 to 4.

density - from 100 to 210 kg / m³.

temperature range in which the foam glass does not change its properties - from -255 to 485 ° C.Critical at which begins the destruction - from -455 ° C or below.

High performance thermal insulation, sound absorption and moisture resistance.

Shelf life - 100 years or more.

advantages over similar set of , and written a lot about them.But if there are shortcomings in the material, as they are essential and appropriate whether its use in the private sector?With this deal is worth more.

Cons foam glass

low impact strength. This makes the installation process more complex, as it is necessary to equip a strong protective layer.

significant weight products.This minus the complexity associated with the installation of a thermal insulation layer, because in some cases you will need a strengthening of bearing construction elements.And this is - the additional costs.

high production costs , which affects the final price of products.Needless raw materials is relatively cheap, but sophisticated technology + energy costs (heating to a high temperature) dramatically increase the cost of goods.

Where can I use

high cost of production significantly limits the possibility of private traders, but when you consider all its advantages, as well as related expenses (including those related to durability and repair) using other insulation materials after calculations it becomes clearthat in certain situations the costs are justified.Consider just some of the options for the application.

granules

They may be of different factions and are commercially available in the form of sand, crushed stone or gravel.

• as an additive in various solutions to improve their properties.
• When insulation of horizontal surfaces of a bulk method (similar to the expanded clay).In this layer "filling" will require a smaller thickness.

Finished products

• Insulation of buildings (structures) with special conditions of operation.For example, baths, swimming pools, laundry, roof.
• surface finish, characterized by complex geometries or large area.