Wiley, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 11(89), p. 3373-3378, 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2006.01247.x
Full text: Download
Commercial polyurethane foams with a monomodal pore size distribution were chosen to produce LZSA (Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2–Al2O3 system) glass–ceramic foams by the polymeric sponge method. A suspension containing LZSA glass–ceramic, bentonite, and sodium silicate was prepared in water and isopropanol to impregnate the polymeric foams by dip coating. The suspension was characterized by rheological measurements. The effect of the solvent on the microstructure and physical properties on the LZSA foams was evaluated. The cellular microstructure of the glass–ceramic foams was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computer X-ray tomography (μ-CT). LZSA foams prepared with isopropanol suspension exhibited higher mechanical strength under compression than those prepared with water.