Granulated (FGA)
A granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate is a lightweight, porous material made from small granules of foamed glass combined with synthetic binders or polymers. This composite aggregate offers the thermal insulation, low density, and environmental benefits of foamed glass, along with the enhanced mechanical strength and durability provided by the synthetic material. It is used in various construction, landscaping, and industrial applications that require lightweight, insulating, and durable aggregates.
KEY COMPONENTS
1. Granulated Foamed Glass:
- Foamed glass granules are produced by heating finely ground recycled glass with a foaming agent, such as carbon, at high temperatures (around 800–1000°C). During this process, gases released by the foaming agent expand the molten glass, forming lightweight, porous glass granules.
- Properties: These granules are lightweight, highly porous, and exhibit excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. They are also fireproof, non-absorbent, and resistant to chemicals and water. The granules typically range in size from millimeters to a few centimeters.
2. Synthetic Binder (Polymer):
- The granules are often coated or bonded with a synthetic binder, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or polyester resins. This polymer acts as a matrix to hold the granules together and provide enhanced structural integrity, strength, and resistance to environmental factors.
- The binder also improves the aggregate's flexibility, impact resistance, and long-term durability, making it suitable for a wider range of applications than raw foamed glass alone
Properties and Benefits
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1. Lightweight: The porous nature of foamed glass granules makes them extremely lightweight, with a bulk density significantly lower than traditional aggregates. This makes granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate ideal for use in lightweight concrete and geotechnical fills, reducing the overall weight of structures while maintaining stability.
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2. Thermal Insulation: The closed-cell structure of the foamed glass granules provides excellent thermal insulation. When combined with a synthetic binder, this insulation property is retained, making the aggregate suitable for use in insulating layers in construction, such as in foundations, roofs, and walls, where thermal regulation is important.
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3. Fire Resistance: Foamed glass granules are made from non-combustible recycled glass, which gives the aggregate excellent fireproofing properties. The synthetic binder can be engineered to be fire-resistant as well, making this material useful in fireproofing applications, such as fire-resistant building panels or partition walls.
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4. High Strength and Durability: While foamed glass granules alone can be brittle, the addition of synthetic binders improves the mechanical strength and durability of the aggregate. This makes the material suitable for use in load-bearing structures and other demanding applications where strength and durability are critical.
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5. Water and Chemical Resistance: The synthetic binder enhances the natural water and chemical resistance of foamed glass granules. This makes granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate ideal for use in wet environments, such as in drainage systems, landscaping, or underground construction. It also holds up well in environments exposed to harsh chemicals or industrial pollutants.
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6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Granulated foamed glass is typically made from recycled glass, making it an environmentally friendly material. The use of sustainable or recyclable synthetic binders further enhances its eco-friendly profile, making it suitable for green building projects and sustainable infrastructure development.
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7. Low Thermal Conductivity: The foamed glass granules have low thermal conductivity due to their porous structure, making them ideal for use in construction applications that require thermal insulation, such as in energy-efficient buildings. This property is especially useful in climates with extreme temperature variations.
Applications
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1. Lightweight Concrete and Mortar: Granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate is often used in lightweight concrete mixes for structural and non-structural elements. It helps reduce the weight of the concrete while providing good thermal insulation, making it suitable for roofs, walls, floors, and precast concrete panels.
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2. Geotechnical Fills: The aggregate is commonly used in civil engineering applications, such as in road embankments, bridge abutments, and retaining walls, where its low weight reduces stress on underlying soils while providing good drainage and stability.
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3. Landscaping and Drainage: In landscaping, granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate is used in green roofs, garden beds, and sports fields. It provides excellent drainage, helps reduce soil compaction, and promotes root growth in horticultural applications. Its lightweight nature also makes it easy to transport and install.
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4. Insulating Layers: Due to its excellent thermal properties, this aggregate is often used in foundation insulation, roofing systems, and cavity walls. It helps improve energy efficiency in buildings by minimizing heat transfer, making it ideal for use in passive houses and other energy-efficient construction.
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5. Fireproofing Applications: The fireproof nature of foamed glass granules, combined with the durability of synthetic binders, makes this aggregate suitable for use in fireproof cladding, partition walls, and fire-resistant barriers in both residential and industrial buildings.
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6. Sustainable Building Projects: Granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate is a popular choice in sustainable construction projects. Its use of recycled glass, lightweight properties, and energy efficiency make it an attractive material for LEED-certified buildings and other eco-friendly infrastructure developments.
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7. Industrial and Chemical Environments: The chemical resistance and durability of this aggregate make it ideal for use in industrial flooring, chemical processing plants, and waste management facilities, where exposure to chemicals and heavy loads are common.
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A granulated foamed glass synthetic aggregate is a lightweight, versatile, and sustainable material that combines the benefits of foamed glass granules with the strength and durability of synthetic polymers. Its key properties—such as thermal insulation, fire resistance, low weight, and eco-friendliness—make it ideal for use in a wide range of construction, geotechnical, and industrial applications. By providing a balance between lightweight performance and strength, this aggregate helps improve the efficiency and sustainability of modern construction practices while offering long-term durability in demanding environments.