Elaboration and characterisation of foam glass from cathode ray tubes

Abstract

Research into the recycling of electronics waste materials, such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and in particular their component glasses, is required by both French and European legislation. One possible solution to the problem of CRT glass waste is to convert it into foam glass, a material with very promising properties. Foam glasses can be prepared from CRT glasses containing heavy elements (lead, barium) through reaction with a reducing agent such as TiN or SiC. The present experimental study sought to determine the mechanism of foam glass formation and the structural differences between bulk and foam glasses. Additionally, the specific characteristics of bulk and foam glasses such as density, porosity, thermal and mechanical properties were determined, as well as their structural characteristics, using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that reutilisation of CRT glass in the form of foam glass is a very promising recycling option.