Difference between Recycled Foamed Glass and GRANUGLASS from Perlite Ore

GRANUGLASS: The Secret Behind Ultra-Lightweight Concrete & Thermal Insulation Revolution – A Complete Guide for Construction Professionals

Introduction
In the world of lightweight construction aggregates, a quiet revolution is underway. GRANUGLASS – expanded perlite ore granules – dominates the market for compelling reasons. While recycled foamed glass has niche applications, this natural perlite aggregate unlocks unprecedented possibilities in energy-efficient construction. Discover the science behind this game-changing material.

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From Volcanic Rock to Innovation: How GRANUGLASS Is Made

The production process transforms geology into advanced material technology:

1. Raw Material Extraction: Perlite ore mined from depths up to 50m (incl. deposits in Armenia)

2. Micronization: Crushing into 0.1–0.5mm particles (fine sand consistency)

3. Thermal Expansion:

   • Flash-heating to 900-1200°C in rotary kilns

   • Bound water vaporizes, expanding particles like popcorn

   • Result: 16x volume increase!

4. Fractioning: Sieving into 4 grades (0–1mm, 1–2mm, 2–4mm, 4–8mm)

Did You Know? 1m³ of raw perlite yields 16m³ of GRANUGLASS – the highest expansion ratio among natural aggregates.

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Why GRANUGLASS’s Microstructure Changes Everything

The secret lies in its unique architecture under electron microscopy:

• Open porosity (70–85%): Interconnected capillary network

• Ultra-thin cell walls: <1μm thickness

• Irregular surface: Natural "hooks" for binder adhesion

https://granuglass.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/granuglass-microstructure.png
Visualization: GRANUGLASS (left) vs closed-cell recycled glass (right)

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Proven Applications: Where GRANUGLASS Outperforms

1. Premium Lightweight Concrete (LC1.0–LC2.0)

• Sample mix design:

  • 220kg CEM II cement

  • 180L water

  • 0.8m³ GRANUGLASS (0,25– 0,5 mm fraction)

• Performance: λ=0.085 W/(m·K), density 1050 kg/m³, strength 18 MPa

• Uses: Floor screeds (50-60% load reduction), facade panels

2. Historic Building Renovation

• Restoration mortar:

  • 3:1 hydraulic lime : GRANUGLASS (0,1–0,3 mm)

  • Benefits: Vapor permeability >0.45 mg/(m·h·Pa), moisture self-regulation

3. Green Roof Systems

• Drainage/retention layer:

  • 8 cm GRANUGLASS (0,5–1,0 mm fraction)

  • Performance: 45L water retention/m² with simultaneous drainage

4. Thermal Insulation Renders

• Formula:

  • Base: Lime, cement, hydrophobizers

  • 70% GRANUGLASS (0–1mm fraction)

  • λ=0.065 W/(m·K) at 3cm thickness

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5 Undisputed Advantages Over Recycled Foamed Glass

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Expert Insight: The Perlite Advantage

"In the era of NZEB (Near-Zero Energy Buildings), GRANUGLASS solves the core dilemma: reconciling high insulation with structural lightness. It's the only material achieving λ<0.060 W/(m·K) at <150 kg/m³ density. For designers, this is as revolutionary as self-compacting concrete."
– Dr. Eng. Krzysztof Nowak, Building Materials Chair, Warsaw University of Technology

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Future Innovations: What’s Next?

• Phase Change GRANUGLASS: Paraffin-microencapsulated granules (+40% thermal capacity)

• Nano-engineered Surfaces: Hydrophobic SiO₂ coatings maintaining vapor openness

• Self-healing Composites: Microcrack repair via capillary resin transport

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Implementation Guide

• Dosage: 0.6–0.8m³ per 1m³ concrete

• Mixing Protocol: Cement + water first → gradual aggregate addition

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Why Professionals Choose GRANUGLASS
This isn’t just aggregate – it’s functional system design. Its natural volcanic origin combined with engineered porosity creates the ultimate 21st-century building material. While recycled glass suits limited applications, perlite technology sets the new standard for high-performance lightweight construction.