2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16
People who are far from geology, mineralogy and construction are often interested in: agglomerate - what is it? In scientific fields, this term refers to the accumulation of mineral elements. And in construction, agglomerate has been used since ancient times. It is known that the ancient Roman Colosseum was built from similar material. In that era, agglomerate material was large blocks made from crushed stone with binder ingredients.
Sinter - what is it these days?
Today, the material is obtained through technological processes. In fact, it is an artificial stone formed from heterogeneous rubble bound with cement or resins. Agglomerated stone is available in different colors. For this purpose, pigments, colored glass, metal shavings, aventurine and other elements are added to it.
The crushed stone component is quartzite, marble, granite. To give strength, the gasket is made with a fiberglass mesh. The agglomerate consists of 80% natural mountain elements.
The production of agglomerated stone goes through several stages. The result is agglomerated tiles with various geometric patterns andbright ornaments. Such facing tiles are used by designers for original solutions. Agglomerate is also available in the form of steps, window sills and countertops.
Now it becomes clearer what it is - an agglomerate. It is worth considering options for this material.
Produced varieties
Types of agglomerate depend on the raw materials used in production. Agglomerated tiles produce:
- from quartz;
- marble;
- granite.
Agglomerated marble resembles natural stone. It is easy to sand, but does not withstand acid and mechanical damage.
Marble agglomerate is available in different colors: pink, malachite, blue, light blue.
Agglomerated stone made of granite or quartz has high wear resistance, resistance to chemical irritants. It is used in high-traffic areas.
Granite agglomerate is usually calm natural shades. Manufacturers do not use rich colors for this material.
Quartz Agglomerate
Quartz agglomerate, or agglomerate, has a lower cost compared to other types.
The material was patented in 1983. Since then it has become extremely popular. The secret of the popularity of this material lies:
- in fine appearance;
- excellent technical parameters;
- numerous interior decoration possibilities.
Production technology
In the manufacture of quartz agglomerate, natural quartz is used. Polymer resins are used as a fastening component. Coloring is achieved by using color pigments. Colors are all kinds. Black quartz agglomerate looks elegant.
As a result of production, the material is very durable, second only to topaz, corundum and diamond.
Sinter production technology is based on vibrocompression and goes through several stages:
- Preparation. The vein quartz is crushed, washed, and after drying it is sorted.
- Mixing step. Resins, pigments and other fillers are added to quartz chips.
- Vibrocompression. Quartz powder is added, after which the mixture is laid out in molds and placed in a vibrocompressor. The machine uses vacuum, vibration and pressure to strengthen the material.
- Polymerization stage. The mixture in the molds is placed in the oven and heated until the resin begins to melt.
- Conclusion. The last stages of production are calibration and grinding. Finished plates are matte, glossy, semi-gloss. Sometimes a pattern, engraving, ornament is applied.
After all stages of production, each tile is inspected by the inspector for defects, only then the craftsmen make countertops, bar counters and other interior elements from it.
Material advantages
Agloquartz has undeniableadvantages over natural stone. Among them:
- Safety. It is known that some breeds of natural stone have increased radiation, and agglomerate - what is it? This is a material obtained artificially, and therefore completely devoid of such a drawback. In addition, the stone absorbs dirt and bacteria, which is also not the case with sintered quartz.
- Attractiveness. Of course, natural stone has an excellent appearance, but one cannot help but notice some limitations when choosing colors. Aggloquartz has much wider color possibilities.
- Technical properties. Sinter quartz has high strength and resistance to various influences, unlike natural stone.
Application of agglomerate
Reviews about the material from the builders are extremely positive.
Manufacturers produce hundreds of agglomerate tiles of different fractions. Some of them have incomparable external characteristics. For example, with the addition of glass chips.
Agglomerate stone is used in interior and exterior decoration of buildings. They are revetted with facades, floors, stairs, pools. Stairs, panels for walls and window sills are made from agglomerate material.
The material has a structure that is immune to frost and moisture. But for exterior decoration and windows, it is better to take an agglomerate with a cement component.
Polymer resins in the composition of the agglomerate give it elasticity and wear resistance. But you should not use material for fireplaces and underfloor heating, itexpands when heated. This type of agglomerated tiles is not polished.
Agglomerated marble is often used for flooring. To protect the surface from scratches, the floor is covered with a liquid with quartz crystals. The 2mm thick coating provides anti-slip performance without altering the texture or beauty of the material.
Granite and quartz agglomerates are hygienic and resistant to external influences. They are used for facing works in the bathroom, as well as for window sills, stairs.
Granite agglomerated slabs are used in airports, station buildings and other high-traffic areas.
Quartzite is often used in medical and children's institutions.
PE film agglomerate
Sintering technology is used in several industries. Separately, it should be said about the LDPE agglomerate. This type of material is obtained from a polyethylene film. The finished product looks like small pieces of film. It goes to the production of other goods or film.
The advantages of this type of agglomerated raw material are its cost-effectiveness, environmental safety and ease of storage and use.
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