Synthesis of foamed glass–ceramics from high‐titanium blast furnace slag using Na₃PO₄·12H₂O as a foam stabilizer

Abstract

We report the effects of sodium phosphate dodecahydrate (Na3PO4·12H2O) as a foam stabilizer on the crystalline phases, microstructure, and properties of foamed glass–ceramics derived from solid industrial wastes. Our findings reveal that Na3PO4·12H2O acts as a pore structure stabilizer, enhancing pore uniformity by releasing P2O5 during decomposition. Additionally, it lowers the softening temperature and viscosity by supplying Na2O. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that Na3PO4·12H2O does not alter the primary crystal types but does influence the crystallinity and morphology. With an increase in Na3PO4·12H2O content, the porosity and water absorption improve, but the bulk density, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength decrease. The optimal properties are achieved with 4 wt% Na3PO4·12H2O, resulting in significantly higher compressive strength compared to foamed glass–ceramics prepared from other solid wastes. This study provides valuable guidelines for effectively reusing solid industrial wastes to fabricate foamed glass–ceramics.