Cellular glass insulation

Cellular glass insulation, also referred to as foamed glass insulation (and sometimes porous glass), is a high-strength and light-weight insulating material comprised of crushed or granulated glass mixed with carbon or limestone as a chemical foaming agent under high temperatures of up to 1000 oC. The heating process oxidises the carbon to create tiny closed internal bubbles; these prevent capillary action of moisture and, as such, is moisture-proof, aswell as fireproof, non-toxic, anti-corrosive, and long-lasting.

The first patent for foam glass was submitted in 1932 by Saint-Gobain of France, using calcium carbonate as a foaming agent. The scientist professor I.I.Kitaygorodskiy in the same year also presented a paper describing foam glass at a conference in Moscow and subsequently, experimental products were developed in the Soviet Union. In 1942
Pittsburgh Corning launched their new glass product called foamglas, which was then introduced into the Eurpean market 15 years later. Today, the manufacturers have an EPD for the product, which indicates that up to 60% of the material contains recycled content.

The product has many uses in buildings, but because of its high compressive strength, it is a popular option to create thermal breaks where strength is also required, such as in foundations, floors, walkways, terraces, podium roofs, balconies, vehicle parking areas, and under services. It can also be used as a cladding material, but its relative cost compared to other insulative materials on the market means it is usually used in certain higher-performance specification areas.

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