Sulfur Functioning during Glass Melting

Abstract

The impact of sulphur compounds on the sand dissolution process and foaming was investigated in the model soda-lime-silica glass with additions of carbon and sulphate in molar ratios 0-6. The aim of the work was to test the mentioned fining combination for the role of chemical accelerator of glass melting. The sulfate with carbon proved acceleration of the sand dissolution at 1300°C but the results at lower temperatures were less convincing. The volume foaming was observed and evaluated in slightly reduced and reduced glasses at 1300-1400°C. The bubble nucleation, rapid growth and foam formation on the glass level in contact with water vapour atmosphere was attributed to chemical reaction between water vapour and sulphur compounds in the melt.