Aggregates are raw materials made from natural sources used in the construction industry to provide the foundation for buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. They are extracted from pits or quarries, which are naturally-occurring deposits of rock on land, or dredged from the sea. There are different types of aggregates with a variety of applications that can be beneficial to the construction industry.
Glass is a popular material with a wide range of useful properties, as it is easy to shape once it’s molten and is affordable to make. Today we will look at some of the most common aggregates used in glass making and how companies specialising in glass products can make the most of them.
Glass Making
Glass making involves using raw materials, including quartz sand, limestone, soda, and recycled cullet. While sand is the primary component of the glass making process, limestone is used to provide stability and soda lowers the melting point.
Using recycled cullet helps improve sustainability by saving on energy and the use of raw materials. Firstly, the raw materials are carefully weighed, after which they are mixed together. The collection of raw materials is also known as a batch, which is prepared for melting. In homes and offices, glass is often used in a variety of ways, from windows to shower walls.
Aggregates
Aggregates are versatile materials, which are often categorised as ‘fine’ or ‘course’. Hanson is a leading aggregates supplier, that produces and distributes a range of aggregates in many sizes, such as crushed rock, sand, and gravel, including recycled aggregates. Finding a reliable aggregates supplier can help you identify the right aggregates for your next project, as each type has a unique function and use.
Moreover, using recycled materials, such as aggregates, is a great way to minimise the waste and pollution typically produced when mining for raw materials. This ensures that you can make a positive impact on the environment by using popular aggregates in glass making.
Sand
Sand is one of the most widely used aggregates. It is critical in glass making since it is the main source of silicon dioxide. The sand that is usually used in glass making consists of small grains of quartz crystals, which are made of molecules of silicon dioxide. These molecules are heated to a high temperature and, as a result, the glass sand melts and as it cools, it acquires a completely different structure, which can be described as somewhere between a liquid and a solid.
Fluidized Sand
Fluidized sand is a type of aggregate that can be used to make glass, as well as support the construction of structures that need a solid foundation. This type of sand requires a large amount of heat and it has been used in different industrial processes, coal-fired power stations, and cement plants. Typically, fluidized sand is utilized once the coal has been burned and ash has been removed. In addition, it can be used to level roads and driveways and fill ground holes.
Industrial Sand
Industrial sand is another crucial ingredient in the production processes of many everyday products like glass. This type of sand is hard and chemically inert with a high melting point, which makes it suitable for various applications When it comes to glass making, it can be used to make anything from windows to beer bottles. The purity of industrial sand is what can affect the color, clarity, and strength of the end product.
Recycled Glass
If you are looking for new ways to help the environment, glass recycling can be a great option to consider. This is because glass recycling uses less energy in comparison to glass manufacturing from sand, lime, and soda. The most important part is that glass can retain its quality after being recycled many times.
As a result, using recycled glass means that you can create durable and beautiful glass products, such as glass countertops, tiles, and bottles. Moreover, glassphalt is a specific variant of asphalt that utilizes crushed glass instead of sand. Another use of recycled glass can be making beads to manufacture all types of jewelry products.
This article was designed to help you learn more about popular aggregates used in glass making and the ways in which they can be used to make new glass products.
Aggregates are important resources, which provide a variety of benefits for building, landscaping, residential, and commercial projects. They are mined from quarries across the world and can also be produced by recycling old materials. Finding a reliable aggregates supplier can help you choose the best aggregates for your projects.
