Glass Development & Thermochemistry

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Optical, mechanical and chemical properties are important for a variety of material applications. The properties can be adjusted as far as possible on the basis of the chemical composition, but also improved by thermal treatment and coatings. Furthermore, glasses can be optimized that certain constitutional phases exist in the glass or that the glass has predominantly eutectic, i.e. low-melting, phases.

 

Investigation on the reaction kinetics during the melting process of glass forming batches

The understanding of the reactions of all components in a batch allows a target-oriented process management, which can bring a variety of advantages. This includes the possibility to optimize the temperature control of a glass tank as well as a specific raw material carrier selection of the required oxides based on kinetic aspects.
In order to achieve this goal for systems in which the current data situation does not permit the development of a kinetic or physical model, the thermodynamics and modeling of multi-component systems will be investigated. On the basis of the consideration of the thermochemistry of the glass melting process using analytical methods of the micro-scale with DSC, DTA-TG, XRD, etc. as well as the mesoscale with Batch-free-time, observation furnace, etc. up to investigations of the macro-scale with a 10kg-test, the melting reactions during batch melting are investigated in detail.
The results of these investigations will be used in later work steps to develop a specific model which allows prognoses of the glass melting process and which could be used as a basis to adapt the energy supply and to specify the selection of raw materials.

 

Optimization of fire-resistant glass

Proper fire protection saves lives and fire-resistant glass plays an important role in proper fire protection.

Normal window glass is a non-combustible building material, but it would shatter after a short time if exposed to high temperatures in the event of a fire. In the case of window glass, the heat radiation can also pass through the clear glass, which also leads to ignition of materials that are on the side facing away from the fire. In addition to fire and smoke, fire-resistant glazing also inhibits heat radiation. This prevents a fire from spreading to other rooms.

Fire-resistant glazing generally consists of a fire protection layer, which is located between two panes of glass. In the event of a fire, the protective material contained in this layer is activated, whereby heat radiation is absorbed and a highly effective insulation layer is formed. The glazing loses its transparency for heat radiation and a practically opaque fire protection wall is created.

The aim of the research in this area is to optimize fire protection systems and to research new fire protection materials. The focus here is on the development of lighter fire-resistant glazing with a long resistance to fire and heat.