The effect of clay on foaming and mechanical properties of glass foam insulating material

In the current study, the main composition was prepared using soda-lime glass with dolomite [CaMg(CO₃)₂] as a foaming agent. The clay powder was added to the main composition in different ratios, and then, the mixtures were shaped by one-axial pressing. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used for the determination of crystallization temperatures, and the samples were heated according to the DTA results. Furthermore, heating microscopy was employed for studying the high-temperature behaviours of the mixtures. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and comprehensive strength testing. Porosity and bulk density were measured to assess the foaming capability of the mixtures. The results showed that clay addition has a positive role on the mechanical properties of glass foam.