The Effect of Fe2O3 on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Foam Glass Obtained from Soda-Lime Waste Glass and SiC as Foaming Agent

In this study، the microstructure and properties of foam glass obtained as a result of the interaction of the waste glass with SiC as the foaming agent and Fe2O3 as the oxidizing agent have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)، as well as three-point bending and pycnometery tests. First، the temperature and optimized amount of SiC for making foam glass was determined. The results showed that the sample with 4% SiC is changed into a foam at 850˚C with the highest percentage porosity (90%) and bending strength of 0. 57 MPa، although the size of pores was relatively large and their distribution was heterogeneous. Then، the effect of Fe2O3 addition on the amount of porosity، microstructure and bending strength was taken into consideration، and the samples with smaller pores and homogenous pore distribution were obtained. Moreover، the bending strength increased considerably in such a way that foam glasses with 61. 4-73. 2% porosity and 4. 12-7. 05 MPa bending strength were produced. These properties showed an enhancement when compared with those of the commercial samples