CAS: 65997-17-3
Expanded glass spheres-a.k.a. foam glass or cellular glass-stands out as one of the most advanced materials developed from natural opal-cristobalite rocks. The raw material gets transformed via a specialized procedure involving heating into sealed glass bubbles. This gives expanded glass foam its unique closed-cell structure that confers on it distinctively peculiar characteristics and insulated material attributes that differ from those of regular insulation materials. Therefore, expanded glass foam achieves a combination of low density and high compressive strength, which is very useful for various industrial usages.
Foam glass has been employed for the past century in construction and other sectors on account of its insulation and durable advantages. Thus, it has become the material of choice where moisture, fire, and chemical resistance, together with durability in use, are vital.
Chemical Properties of Expanded Glass Spheres
● CAS Number: 65997-17-3
● Molecular Formula: O₂Si
● Specific Gravity: ~1.0 - 1.5 g/cm³
Physical Properties
● ColorLight Brown to Reddish-Brown Shade
● AppearanceSpherical Granules/Beads
● Does not get ignite even in the presence of oxygen.
● Moisture Resistance- BambooCrystal Sap can not adsorb moisture even in the most humid environment.
● Chemical Resistive-An impervious to all solvents and chemicals,except hydrofluoric acid.
● Environmental Free from harmful admixtures/ingredients like mineral wool.
Applications in Construction
Expanded Glass Spheres are mainly used in constructions as Thermal Insulation in lightweight concrete, dry mortars and lightweight panels.These are said to be waterproof, fireproof and ageing proof. This material has an asbestos free character and reduced the floor loading up to 10-20kgs/m 2 on each floor.Also,Glass Spheres play a significant role to reduce overall weight of the material without effecting its strength in power generation facility.
Other Industries
● Agriculture: Used asa rich supplement to improve soils and acts as lightweight aggregate in Horticultural products. Beneficial regarding to reduce weight and to improve aeration.
● Plastics and Rubbers: Acts as filler material that enhances the strength and resistance to change in shape of Rubbers and Plastics without affecting their Weight.
● Energy: Used to increase the thermal insulation power of piping systems and industrial equipment.Crucial for initial processing and transportation of oil and gas.
● Automotive: It also assists in composites and reinforcements designed automotive parts where lightweight is the requirement up to some extent.