Ceramics-Silikáty 52 (3) 155-159 (2008)

THE ROLE OF SULFUR IN GLASS MELTING PROCESSES

M. Arkosiová, J. Kloužek, L. Němec

This work is aiming to complete the kinetic data of bubble behavior and nucleation at different redox state controlled by different ratios between carbon and sulphate added to the batch of the soda-lime-silica glass, to elucidate the mechanism of melt foaming at medium temperatures and to provide experimental data showing the effect of sulfur reactions on the sand dissolution. Two generations of bubbles nucleated in the glass melt were indicated by measurements and the bubble growth rates were obtained at temperatures 1300-1500°C to appreciate the bubble fining process and glass foaming. The chemical reaction between water vapour atmosphere and sulfur compounds in glass resulted in bubble nucleation on the glass level and melt foaming. The acceleration of sand dissolution in glasses having lower redox state was observed.

Keywords: Sulphur, Glass melting, Bubble nucleation, Foaming, Sand dissolution