Experimental Study of the Insulating Properties of a Lightweight Material Based on Fast-Hardening Highly Resistant Foams in Relation to Vapors of Toxic Organic Fluids

Abstract

To isolate the surface of toxic liquids, it is proposed to use fast-hardening highly resistant foams. To obtain fast-hardening, highly resistant foams, the process of gel and foaming is combined. For this, solutions of sodium polysilicate and gelation catalyst are mixed. To increase the stability of the foams, it is proposed to add water-soluble polymers to the gel-forming composition. It is shown that a fast-hardening foam of the composition Na2O·2.5SiO2 (9%)+NaHCO3 (9%)+6% foaming agent +0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose with thickness 5 cm reduces the mass rate of benzene evaporation by more than 5 times. It retains its insulating properties for more than 5 days. It is concluded that it is advisable to use fast-hardening highly resistant foams for the elimination of emergencies with the spill of toxic liquids.