A finite difference-based mathematical model for sintering behavior prediction was developed with determination of corresponding sintering kinetics for a new type of expanded perlite-based insulation board. The insulation board was developed in cooperation between the company Trimo, d. d., and the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Ljubljana.The board was produced by mixing expanded perlite with prescribed particle size and sodium silicate solution, molding and pressing the mixture and drying the so-formed board in a microwave cavity, followed by a high-temperature thermal treatment of the dried board. During the high-temperature thermal treatment of the board, certain shrinkage appeared, a result of a sintering process inside the board. A certain amount of shrinkage is needed for a board to obtain sufficient mechanical properties and to increase the durability of the insulation board in moistened conditions. During this process, the mathematical prediction of the sintering behavior is the key to achieve the right balance between the low final density, which is the basis for good thermal insulation properties, and good mechanical properties and durability, achieved only by allowing the material to reach the right sintering temperature.
The microwave drying process intensification of new inorganic thermal insulation board, containing expanded perlite and inorganic binder, was investigated in a multimode microwave applicator, with a 1.8 kW, 2.45 GHz microwave source. Ability to generate heat inside moistened material and to avoid the problem of heat conduction to the core of the material is especially important when dealing with efficient thermal insulators. A 3D unsteady mathematical model was developed, considering Lambert's law of exponential decay of microwave energy and nonuniform power distribution inside the microwave cavity, for temperature and drying rate predictions. The predicted temperature profiles at critical locations of the exposed board and cumulative drying rate were compared and verified with experimental data.
A new lightweight thermal insulation board, containing expanded perlite and inorganic silicate binder with corresponding industrial production procedure was developed. The industrial technology was developed in cooperation between company Trimo d.d. and Faculty of chemistry and chemical technology Ljubljana and among others includes mixing of raw materials, molding, microwave drying and high temperature treatment of the dried board. A new product has low density (130 – 160 kg/m3), good mechanical properties and durability and can be used in various fields where inorganic thermal insulation is required. The current work presents the experimental study of the final process during plate production – high temperature treatment with sintering. During thermal treatment of the board, certain shrinkage is required to obtain sufficient mechanical properties and durability. Controlling the process of high temperature thermal treatment is the key to achieve the right balance between low final density of the board and its good mechanical properties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.