INFLUENCE OF FINING AGENTS ON GLASS MELTING: A REVIEW, PART 1

Glass melting is significantly influenced by two processes: the dissolution of particles and the fining of glass. Because these processes are time- and energy-consuming in industry, fining agents are used. Although much literature has been reported about the use of fining agents, no extensive overvi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Miroslava Hujova, Miroslava Vernerova
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 2017-03-01
Series:Ceramics-Silikáty
Subjects:
Online Access: http://www.ceramics-silikaty.cz/index.php?page=cs_detail_doi&id=877
Description
Summary:Glass melting is significantly influenced by two processes: the dissolution of particles and the fining of glass. Because these processes are time- and energy-consuming in industry, fining agents are used. Although much literature has been reported about the use of fining agents, no extensive overview of such literature has yet been published. In this paper, we provide such a review, targeting articles that describe the influence of fining agents on (i) the dissolution of particles, (ii) the bubble nucleation and removal, (iii) colour of glass at reduced melting conditions, and (iv) the foaming of glass. We cover the history of fining agent usage from the earliest research in the field to the most recent cutting-edge discoveries. The advantages and disadvantages of all the traditional fining agents are described, with attention paid to the most widely used agent, sodium sulphate. In addition, sodium sulphate is considered as a surface-active compound and colouring substance. Furthermore, we include the influence of redox conditions on the process of fining. We believe that our review provides an ideal introduction to the use of fining agents, both for researchers and industry professionals.
ISSN:0862-5468
1804-5847