Foam glass
Foam glass
Description
Foam glass, also known as cellular glass, is a porous inorganic non – metallic material with unique properties. It has emerged as a preferred choice in various industries due to its outstanding performance in insulation, fire resistance, and durability.
2. Production Process
Foam glass is typically produced by heating a mixture of crushed glass (which can be recycled glass, including waste from flat glass production, bottle glass, etc.) and a blowing agent, such as carbon, limestone (calcium carbonate), or other chemical foaming agents. During the heating process, as the temperature approaches the melting point of glass (usually between 700°C – 900°C), the glass powder transforms into a viscous liquid. Simultaneously, the blowing agent decomposes or reacts to release gas. This gas expands within the molten glass, creating numerous small bubbles. After cooling, the mixture solidifies into a rigid material with a cellular structure, where the gas – filled closed – cell pores can account for a large proportion (up to 80% – 90%) of its volume. The diameter of these pores generally ranges from 0.5 – 5 mm, and in some cases, can be as small as a few micrometers. The production process can be adjusted by controlling factors like the type and amount of blowing agent, heating rate, and annealing conditions to achieve the desired properties of the foam glass product.
3. Performance Characteristics
3.1 Thermal Insulation
One of the most prominent features of foam glass is its excellent thermal insulation property. It has a very low thermal conductivity, which can effectively prevent heat transfer. For example, the thermal conductivity of high – quality foam glass can be as low as 0.04 – 0.06 W/(m·K) at room temperature. This makes it an ideal material for applications where maintaining a stable temperature is crucial, such as in building insulation systems. Whether in cold – storage facilities to prevent heat infiltration or in buildings to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption, foam glass can significantly improve energy efficiency.
3.2 Fire Resistance
Foam glass is a non – combustible material, classified as A – class fire – resistant according to relevant fire – safety standards. It does not burn, melt, or release toxic gases when exposed to fire. This fire – resistance property is extremely valuable in building construction, especially in areas where fire safety is a top priority, such as high – rise buildings, public buildings like hospitals, schools, and airports, as well as in industrial settings with potential fire hazards. In the event of a fire, foam glass can act as a reliable fire – barrier, helping to contain the spread of fire and protect lives and property.
3.3 Moisture Resistance
Thanks to its closed – cell structure, foam glass has excellent moisture resistance. Water absorption is extremely low, usually less than 0.5% by volume. This property makes it suitable for use in damp environments, such as underground structures, basements, and areas near water sources. It will not be affected by moisture, preventing issues like mold growth, material degradation, and a reduction in insulation performance that are commonly associated with moisture – sensitive materials. For instance, in the construction of underwater tunnels or the insulation of pipes in humid industrial environments, foam glass can maintain its integrity and performance over a long period.
3.4 Chemical Stability
Foam glass is highly resistant to chemical corrosion. It can withstand exposure to various chemicals, including acids (except hydrofluoric acid) and alkalis. This chemical stability makes it applicable in industrial processes where there are chemical – laden atmospheres or in contact with corrosive substances. In chemical plants, for example, foam glass can be used for insulating pipes and equipment that carry corrosive chemicals, ensuring long – term reliable operation without being corroded by the surrounding chemical environment.
3.5 Mechanical Strength
Despite its lightweight nature (density typically ranging from 120 – 220 kg/m³), foam glass has relatively high mechanical strength. It has good compressive and flexural strength, which allows it to withstand certain loads without deformation. For example, in building applications, it can be used in load – bearing insulation systems, and in industrial settings, it can endure the mechanical stress associated with equipment installation and operation. The compressive strength of common foam glass products can reach 0.5 – 1.0 MPa or even higher, depending on the specific production process and density requirements.
3.6 Sound Absorption
Some types of foam glass, especially those with a higher proportion of open – cell structures, possess good sound – absorption properties. They can effectively reduce noise levels by absorbing sound waves. This makes foam glass suitable for applications in areas where noise control is necessary, such as in the insulation of machine rooms to reduce the noise generated by industrial equipment, or in the construction of sound – proof barriers along highways to minimize traffic noise impact on nearby residential areas.
4. Applications
4.1 Building Industry
- Wall and Roof Insulation: Foam glass is widely used as an insulation material for building walls and roofs. It can be installed as an exterior wall insulation layer, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. In addition, its fire – resistance and moisture – resistance properties make it a safe and durable choice for roof insulation, protecting the building structure from the elements.
- Fire – Resistant Barriers: Due to its A – class fire – resistant property, foam glass is an ideal material for constructing fire – resistant barriers within buildings. It can be used to separate different fire – zones, such as in stairwells, corridors, and between different functional areas of a building, providing an important line of defense against the spread of fire.
- Sound – Insulating Applications: In buildings where sound insulation is crucial, such as in recording studios, concert halls, and high – end residential apartments, foam glass can be incorporated into the interior design to reduce noise transmission between rooms or from external sources.
4.2 Industrial Applications
- Insulation of Pipes and Equipment: In industrial plants, foam glass is commonly used to insulate pipes that carry hot or cold fluids, as well as industrial equipment such as boilers, reactors, and storage tanks. Its excellent thermal insulation, chemical stability, and mechanical strength ensure that the temperature – sensitive processes are maintained efficiently and that the equipment operates safely and reliably in harsh industrial environments.
- Cold – Storage Facilities: Foam glass is highly suitable for use in cold – storage warehouses and refrigeration systems. Its low thermal conductivity and moisture resistance prevent heat from entering the cold – storage space, reducing the energy consumption of refrigeration equipment and ensuring the quality of stored products.
- Chemical Industry: Given its chemical resistance, foam glass is used in the chemical industry for applications where contact with corrosive chemicals is inevitable. It can be used as insulation for equipment and pipelines in chemical production processes, protecting the underlying structures from chemical corrosion and extending their service life.
4.3 Transportation and Marine Industry
- Shipbuilding: In shipbuilding, foam glass is used for insulation in ship cabins, engine rooms, and refrigerated cargo holds. Its lightweight nature helps to reduce the overall weight of the ship, improving fuel efficiency. At the same time, its fire – resistance, moisture – resistance, and sound – absorption properties contribute to a safer, more comfortable, and quieter onboard environment.
- Railway and Automotive Applications: In the railway and automotive industries, foam glass can be used for insulation and sound – proofing in train carriages and vehicle interiors. It helps to improve the thermal comfort of passengers and reduces noise levels, enhancing the overall travel experience.
5. Environmental Benefits
The production of foam glass often involves the use of recycled glass as a raw material. By recycling waste glass, foam glass production helps to reduce the amount of glass waste sent to landfills, contributing to environmental conservation. Additionally, its long – service life and low maintenance requirements mean that less material needs to be replaced over time, further reducing the environmental impact associated with material extraction and production.
6. Conclusion
Foam glass, with its unique combination of properties such as excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, moisture resistance, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and sound – absorption capabilities, has a wide range of applications in various industries. Its environmental – friendly production process and long – term reliability make it an increasingly popular choice for modern construction and industrial projects. As technology continues to advance, the performance and application scope of foam glass are expected to be further optimized and expanded, bringing more benefits to different fields.
Shipping & Delivery
Detailed Shipping Options Introduction
At Wanxing, we offer flexible shipping options tailored to your procurement needs. Strategically located near Qingdao, a major port city renowned for its robust shipping infrastructure, we provide two convenient choices to suit your project demands:
- Our Full Shipping Service: Let us handle the logistics from start to finish. We’ll manage the entire process—from packing your EIFS panels at our facility near Qingdao to delivering them directly to your construction site. Leveraging Qingdao Port’s efficient sea and air transport networks, we can ship to key markets like Europe (e.g., Rotterdam in 20-30 days via sea), North America (e.g., Los Angeles in 25-35 days), or other global destinations. Our team coordinates with trusted freight forwarders to ensure timely delivery, keeping your project on schedule. This turnkey solution is ideal if you prefer a hands-off approach with guaranteed reliability.
- Self-Pickup with Ex-Factory Pricing: For maximum cost control, opt to collect your panels directly from our facility near Qingdao or at Qingdao Port. With ex-factory pricing, you avoid additional shipping markups and can arrange your own logistics—whether sea freight for bulk orders (e.g., containers of 500+ panels) or air freight for urgent needs. This option lets you optimize shipping costs and timelines based on your preferred carriers and routes, offering flexibility for tight budgets or specific delivery windows.
To support either choice, we provide all necessary documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and customs forms, ensuring compliance with international regulations. Need help with logistics? We can recommend experienced freight forwarders familiar with Qingdao’s export processes to streamline customs clearance and delivery to your site. Our goal is to make procurement seamless and cost-effective, whether you’re building in Europe, North America, or beyond. Want a shipping plan that perfectly fits your project’s budget and timeline? Contact us today to customize a solution from Qingdao, tailored to your needs.
