Production of glass-ceramics (enamels) foam on ferrous materials

To obtain a glass-ceramic enamel layer on a ferrous material optimum condition, are achieved when the interface has a continuous structure (this structure is produced by the formation of oxides). Fundamental to the achievement of these conditions is the initial treatment of the surface plays a key role in the process, from simple degreasing operations to nickel deposition processes. The key variables that influence in the production of pores in the enamels (foam) are: the temperature, the ceramic used to obtained the pores, its weight percentage and the grain size of the said particles. It has been demonstrated that the pore size in the foam increases with the volume fraction of the ceramic used with the enamels. In practice, the temperature to obtain foam enamels is between 650 to 850 degreesC, but at 825 degreesC the optimum conditions are obtained. The application of glass-ceramics enamels in foam form is the construction industry where their thermal and acoustic insulating properties, resulting from this natural porosity, are sought after.