Thermal treatment of new inorganic thermal insulation board based on expanded perlite

A new lightweight thermal insulation board, containing expanded perlite and inorganic silicate binder with corresponding industrial production procedure was developed. The industrial technology was developed in cooperation between company Trimo d.d. and Faculty of chemistry and chemical technology Ljubljana and among others includes mixing of raw materials, molding, microwave drying and high temperature treatment of the dried board. A new product has low density (130 - 160 kg/m3), good mechanical properties and durability and can be used in various fields where inorganic thermal insulation is required. The current work presents the experimental study of the final process during plate production high temperature treatment with sintering. During thermal treatment of the board, certain shrinkage is required to obtain sufficient mechanical properties and durability. Controlling the process of high temperature thermal treatment is the key to achieve the right balance between low final density of the board and its good mechanical properties.