The Use of Colloidal Silica Solutions in the Perspective Technologies of Fire-Resistant Glass and Multi-Layer Decorative Panels

Alex Brykov, St.Petersburg State Technological Institute

The ability of colloidal solutions of silica (silica sols) to form transparent water-containing gels has been attempted in the industrial production of fire-resistant glass and multi-layer decorative panels. In accordance with this technology, the mixture of silica sol with other components is poured into the space between two or more glass panes and cured. In dependence on type of gel, this last may swell under strong heating and be converted to heat-insulating foam (fire-resistant gel) or may crack with formation of the original crack pattern (decorative gel). Fire-resistant properties of glasses with gel fillers have been tested many times and very good results have been obtained, compositions with steel constructions included. Nevertheless, the use of silica sols in the production of the articles said above sets a number of the problems concerning the properties of the formed gels that are studied not enough.

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The Authors

Dr. Alex Brykov Dr St.Petersburg Technological Inst. Alex Brykov is a scientist and a high school teacher of St.Petersburg State Technological Institute (Russia). The object of his interest for last five years has been chemistry and applications of solu... Read more