People who are far from geology, mineralogy, and construction are often interested in: sinter - what is it? In scientific fields, this term refers to the accumulation of mineral elements. And in the construction of the agglomerate used since antiquity. It is known that the ancient Roman Colosseum was built from such material. In that era, the agglomerate material was large blocks made of gravel with binding ingredients.
Agglomerate - what is it today?
Today, material is obtained through technological processes. In fact, it is an artificial stone formed from heterogeneous crushed stone, bonded with cement or resins. Agglomerated stone is available in different colors. For this purpose, pigments, stained glass, metal shavings, aventurine and other elements are added to it.
The crushed stone component is quartzite, marble, granite. To give strength, they make a laying with a fiberglass mesh. 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 and bright ornaments. Such a facing tile is 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.
Available 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 grind, but does not tolerate acid and mechanical damage.
Marble agglomerate is available in different colors: pink, malachite, blue, blue.
Agglomerated stone made of granite or quartz has high wear resistance, immunity to chemical irritants. It is used in premises of increased operation.
Granite agglomerate is usually calm natural shades. Manufacturers do not use saturated colors for this material.
Agglomerate made of quartz
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 to the popularity of this material is:
- in excellent appearance;
- excellent technical parameters;
- numerous possibilities for interior decoration.
Production technology
In the manufacture of quartz agglomerate, natural quartz is used. As a bonding component, polymer resins are taken. Coloring is achieved using color pigments. Colors are all kinds. Exquisitely looks black agglomerate of quartz.
As a result of production, the material is very durable, second only to topaz, corundum and diamond.
The agglomerate production technology consists in the use of vibrocompression and goes through several stages:
- Training. Vein quartz is crushed, washed, and, after drying, it is sorted.
- Mixing stage. Resins, pigments and other fillers are added to the quartz chips.
- Vibropressing. Powder from quartz is added, after which the mixture is laid out in molds and placed in a vibrating press. The machine is exposed to vacuum, vibration and pressure, due to which the material is given strength.
- The stage of polymerization. The mixture in the molds is placed in an oven and heated until the resins begin to melt.
- Conclusion The last stages of production are calibration and grinding. Ready-made plates are matte, glossy, semi-gloss. Sometimes a pattern, engraving, ornament is applied.
After all stages of production, each tile is inspected by the controller for marriage, only then the craftsmen make tabletops, bar counters and other interior elements from it.
Material benefits
Aglokvarts has indisputable advantages over natural stone. Among them:
- Security. It is known that some rocks of natural stone have increased radiation, and agglomerate - what is it? This is material obtained artificially, and therefore completely devoid of such a flaw. In addition, the stone absorbs dirt and bacteria, which also cannot be said about agglomerate.
- Attractiveness. Of course, natural stone has an excellent appearance, but one can not help but notice some limitations when choosing color solutions. The agloquartz has much wider color possibilities.
- Technical properties Aglokvarts has high strength and resistance to various influences, unlike natural stone.
The use of sinter
Reviews of the material from 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 faced with facades, floors, stairs, pools. Steps, 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 agglomerate give it elasticity and wear resistance. But it is not worth using material for fireplaces and warm floors, it undergoes expansion when heated. This kind 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. A coating of 2 mm thickness provides anti-slip characteristics, but does not change the texture and beauty of the material.
Agglomerates made of granite and quartz are hygienic and resistant to external influences. They are used for facing work in the bathroom, as well as for window sills, stairs.
Agglomerated granite slabs are used at airports, in train station buildings and other rooms with high traffic.
Quartzite is often used in medical and child care facilities.
Agglomerate made of plastic film
Agglomeration technology is used in several industries. Separately, it should be said about the LDPE agglomerate. This type of material is obtained from a plastic film. The finished product looks like small pieces of film. He goes to the production of other goods or films.
The advantages of this type of agglomerated raw material are its economy, safety for the environment and ease of storage and use.