In the field of building safety, fireproof glass is an important fireproof isolation material, and its performance is directly related to the safety of life and property in case of fire. The mainstream heat-insulating fireproof glass on the market currently includes nano-silicon fireproof glass and grouting fireproof glass. Although both are heat-insulating, they have significant differences in process, performance, and application scenarios.

Processing technology: inorganic glue polycondensation vs fire retardant liquid infusion

• Nano silicon fireproof glass

Use two or more layers of tempered glass, inject inorganic expandable nano silicon fireproof glue in the middle, and make it through polycondensation optimization composite process. Nano silica gel is hard and chemically stable. After curing, it is tightly combined with glass to form a high-strength composite structure.

• Grouting fireproof glass

Fireproof liquid (such as magnesium chloride, acrylamide and other mixed solutions) is poured between two pieces of glass, and a transparent crystalline layer is formed by physical air drying and curing. The process has high requirements for the flatness of the glass, and it is easy to have a low yield due to uneven infusion.

Fire resistance performance: duration and stability comparison

• Fire resistance limit

Nano silicon fireproof glass: can meet the fire resistance level of 0.5 hours to 2 hours, and can achieve higher fire resistance time by stacking multiple layers of colloid (such as 11 layers of structure for 3 hours).

Grouting fireproof glass: usually only supports 1 hour to 2 hours of fire resistance, and the colloid may soften or fail under long-term high temperature.

• Thermal insulation performance

Nano silicon fireproof glue expands and foams when exposed to fire (up to 12 times the original thickness), forming a dense insulation layer, which effectively blocks heat transfer; while the fireproof liquid of grouting fireproof glass has a weaker insulation effect after expansion, and the temperature rise of the back-fire surface is faster.

Weather resistance and service life

• Nano silicon fireproof glass

It has excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays and high and low temperature cycles. It can be used in outdoor curtain walls, skylights and other exposed environments for a long time, and its service life can reach more than 10 years.

After passing the 1000-hour UV aging test, there is no discoloration or bubbling, and the light transmittance change rate is ≤10%.

• Grouting fireproof glass

The fireproof liquid is easily affected by ultraviolet rays. Long-term outdoor use will cause yellowing, bubbling, and leakage. It is limited to indoor use (such as partitions, doors and windows).

Application scenarios and cost analysis

• Applicable places

Nano silicon: Applicable to high-rise building curtain walls, airports, hospitals, museums and other places with high requirements for safety and aesthetics.

Grouting: Mostly used in indoor fire partitions, staircase doors and windows and other areas not exposed to direct sunlight.

• Cost difference

Nano silicon fireproof glass has complex process and high material cost.

Grouting fireproof glass has lower cost.

Other core differences

Flexibility of structural design: Nano-silicon glass can be processed into customized effects such as arcs and colored glazes, while grouting glass is limited by the fluidity of the colloid and it is difficult to achieve complex shapes.

Safety performance: After the nano-silicon glass is broken, the glue layer can still adhere to the fragments to avoid secondary damage; if the colloid of the grouting glass ages, the fragments are easy to fall off.

Environmental protection: Nano-silicon is an inorganic environmentally friendly material, and the grouting fireproof liquid contains organic components, which may have volatility problems.