Crystallization of the Amorphous Phase in Foam Glass as a Method of Decreasing the Alkali-Silicon Reaction

Abstract

The possibility of eliminating the alkali-silica reaction (ASR-interaction) in foam glass owing to crystallization of glass is examined. It is found that the main crystalline phases in the crystallization of the amorphous phase of foam glass are devitrite (Na₂Ca₃Si₆O₁₆), an octahedral phase (Na₄CaSi₃O₉), and a cristobalitetridimite modification of SiO₂. The binary glass ceramic composition of foam material shows significant ASR-interaction diminishment. The tile foam-glass-crystallite (Penosital®) can be glued or plastered with a cement-sand solution and covered with finishing polymer stuccos. The granular foam glass-ceramic can be successfully added as light aggregate to concrete without it disintegrating.