Difference between Recycled Foamed Glass and GRANUGLASS from Perlite Ore

Foamed glass is an innovative building material with unique properties, such as lightness, high thermal and acoustic insulation, and resistance to moisture and fire. However, it comes in different variants, depending on the raw material used for its production. The two most popular types of foamed glass are foamed glass from recycled glass and foamed glass made from perlite ore. Both of these materials have their unique features and differ not only in the production process, but also in their functional and ecological properties. So what are the main differences between them?

Source of Raw Material

The main difference between recycled foamed glass and foamed glass from perlite ore lies in the raw material from which they are produced.

  1. Recycled foamed glass: It is produced from recovered glass, most often from glass waste, such as bottles, windows, jars or other glass products. Recycled glass is ground into a fine powder and then foamed at high temperatures.
  2. GRANUGLASS made of perlite ore: It is made from a natural mineral called perlite. Perlite is a volcanic rock that expands when heated to high temperatures, creating a porous structure called perlite foamed glass.

Production Process

  • Recycled foamed glass: The process of producing recycled foamed glass involves grinding the glass into a fine powder, which is then heated to a temperature of around 800-900°C. The high temperature causes the glass to melt and produce gases that create microbubbles in it, resulting in the formation of a porous structure. After cooling, the material gains its insulating properties.
  • GRANUGLASS made of perlite ore: In the production process of foamed glass made of perlite ore, the perlite is first heated to a temperature above 1000°C, which causes it to expand. The material is then stabilized to fix its structure and give it insulating properties.

Thermal and Insulating Properties

Both types of foamed glass have excellent insulating properties, but they differ slightly depending on their chemical composition and internal structure.

  • Recycled foamed glass: It has very good insulating properties, both thermal and acoustic. It has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, making it an effective insulating material. Thanks to its microporous structure, it is also resistant to moisture and mold.
  • GRANUGLASS made of perlite ore: Although it also offers excellent insulating properties, perlite foamed glass can have a slightly higher thermal conductivity coefficient compared to recycled foamed glass. Its porous structure makes it very lightweight, making it ideal for applications where weight is a key factor.

Weight and Density

  • Recycled foamed glass: It usually has a higher density than perlite foamed glass. Although it is lightweight, it is slightly heavier than the perlite version. This feature makes it more resistant to mechanical loads.
  • GRANUGLASS from perlite ore: It is exceptionally lightweight, thanks to its highly porous structure. It is often preferred in applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as in construction or the production of lightweight construction materials.

Applications

  • Recycled foamed glass: Due to its strength and excellent insulating properties, it is widely used in construction, especially as an insulating material in foundations, roofs and walls. It is also used in road infrastructure, where materials with high resistance to mechanical loads are required.
  • GRANUGLASS from perlite ore: Due to its lightness, it is often used in applications where minimal weight is required, such as roofs, lightweight constructions, and as a component in mortars and plasters. Its fire resistance also makes it an ideal material in the fireproofing industry.

Ecological Aspect

  • Recycled foam glass: It is an exceptionally ecological material, as it is made from recycled glass waste. Its production allows the reuse of raw materials, which reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and reduces the demand for primary raw materials - but it should be remembered that recovery is not easy and is rarely used.
  • GRANUGLASS from perlite ore: perlite is a natural mineral and its extraction has a small impact on the environment, it is not a renewable raw material to the same extent as recycled glass. Despite this, the production of perlite foam glass is still more ecological than the production of many other insulating materials.

Summary

Both recycled and perlite ore foam glass are modern, ecological building materials with a wide range of applications. The main differences between them concern the raw material from which they are made, their weight, proper insulating properties and ecological impact. The choice between recycled foamed glass and perlite ore foamed glass depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as material weight, strength, and sustainability objectives.

Maciej Dominik / CEO  - Poraglass sp. z o.o. Poland