Obtaining Transparent Composites Based on Hybrid Silicate Hydrogels as Special Materials for Increasing the Fire Resistance of Glass Structures

Developing a new generation of transparent hydrogel firefighting mineral-polymeric materials is an urgent task. These composites are used to produce refractory glass structures, particularly double-glazed windows. These double-glazed windows are multilayer structures made of silicate glass sheets, with gaps filled by a transparent material that turns opaque under flame exposure, reducing heat load and maintaining structural integrity for a specified duration. This article presents research on the synthesis and properties of transparent polysilicon hydrogels, used as a component in hybrid mineral-organic composites for manufacturing fire-resistant transparent glass structures. A method for producing polysilicate acid hydrogels in the presence of polyvalent metal ions has been developed. Full-factor experiment results established the sol-gel process time frame, influenced by many factors. The research demonstrates the feasibility of creating a transparent hybrid polymer-mineral hydrogel material containing polyvalent refractory salts and polysilicate acid, which can transform into a highly porous refractory material under high temperatures.