Influence of oxygen partial pressure on crystallization behaviour and high-temperature stability of stone wool fibres

Abstract

The influence of oxygen partial pressure on the redox State of the iron in stone wool is studied using thermogravimetry (TG). The thermal response of the stone wool is measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The high-temperature stability of stone wool depending on the oxygen partial pressure is observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is confirmed that the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ is responsible for the high-temperature stability of stone wool. Even a minor increase in oxygen partial pressure can considerably alter the crystallization behaviour and enhance the high-temperature stability of the stone wool. The origin for that is discussed.