Abstract: A glass foam and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The glass foam is produced from a dried glass precursor gel having nanometer-sized pores and a bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix with an inorganic network of primary constituent oxides. One method includes obtaining the dried glass precursor gel, heating the dried glass precursor gel to a temperature below the melting point of the gel, maintaining the temperature for a time sufficient to expand the dried glass precursor gel, and expanding the dried glass precursor gel to form the glass foam.

Abstract: A dried glass precursor gel and methods of depositing a powderized or wire form of the dried glass precursor gel to form a glass substrate and/or coating are disclosed. The dried glass precursor gel contains a bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix of primary constituent oxides. One method includes obtaining the dried glass precursor gel, forming a powder or wire from the dried glass precursor gel, melting the powder with a gas stream to form molten droplets, and depositing the molten droplets onto a mold or similar target substrate.

Abstract: A glass precursor gel and methods of melting the glass precursor gel are disclosed. The glass precursor gel contains a bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix that contains one or more synthesis byproducts. One method includes obtaining the glass precursor gel with the bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix having one or more synthesis byproducts, exposing the glass precursor gel to microwave radiation, and heating and/or melting the glass precursor gel into a molten glass with the microwave radiation by way of the one or more synthesis byproducts.