A Model of Foam Density Prediction for Expanded Perlite Composites

Abstract

Abstract. Multiple sets of variables associated with expanded perlite particle consolidation in foam manufacturing were analyzed to develop a model for predicting perlite foam density. The consolidation of perlite particles based on the flotation method and compaction involves numerous variables leading to the final perlite foam density. The variables include binder content, compaction ratio, perlite particle size, various perlite particle densities and porosities, and various volumes of perlite at different stages of process. The developed model was found to be useful not only for prediction of foam density but also for optimization between compaction ratio and binder content to achieve a desired density. Experimental verification was conducted using a range of foam densities (0.15 -0.5 g/cm 3 ) produced with a range of compaction ratios (1.5 -3.5), a range of sodium silicate contents (0.05 -0.35 g/ml) in dilution, a range of expanded perlite particle sizes (1 -4 mm), and various perlite densities (such as skeletal, material, bulk, and envelope densities). A close agreement between predictions and experimental results was found.

Flatwise Compression and Flexural Behaviour of Perlite/Sodium Silicate Composite Foam

“…The scatter is not unexpected given the fact that the density is a function of two independent variables (i.e. compaction ratio and binder content) as discussed in ref [32,33]. Flexural Behaviour.…”

“…Also, it is non-combustible, water-resistant and sufficiently inexpensive to be used for developing building materials. Arifuzzaman and Kim [32] developed novel perlite/sodium silicate composite foams using the new manufacturing process [21,22] and also developed a model for density prediction [33] but only a limited amount of study on mechanical performance for lengthwise compression is available let alone the flexural behaviour. This paper extends the mechanical behaviour of the developed perlite/sodium silicate composites to focus on their flatwise compression and flexural behaviors for sandwich composite applications.…”