Agglomerates Torrey Orlopp IAR 332 Building Materials

What is an Agglomerate?

From the Latin “Agglomerare” meaning “to form into a ball”

In geological terms, they are large globular masses of lava formed from pyroclastic or intrusive volcanic breccias.

i.e. course accumulations of large blocks of volcanic material

The fluidal block formations are composed of coarse volcanic rocks that have become bonded in the lava once it has cooled.

Natural Volcanic Breccias

The inspiration for modern agglomerates began with the desire to preserve and celebrate nature’s beauty. They are used as a popular alternative to natural stone because of their recycled content, which reduces the depletion of natural resources.

What are Agglomerates used for?

Types of Agglomerates: Terrazzo: the first synthetic agglomerate material made of stone fragments held together with cement.

Cambria: a quartz-based engineered stone with an epoxy resin binder and pigments

Celador: is a cement-based agglomerate with finely ground quartz-based aggregates

IceStone: composed of 100% recycled glass aggregate in a cement matrix

Riverstone: natural stone pebbles suspended in transparent resin

Trend Q: composed of various sized granules of crushed quartz, granite or recycled glass and a pigmented polyester resin binder.

Synthetic Aggregate Samples

Cambria

Celador

Trend Q

Trend Q

How is it made? 1. Agglomerates are a form of aggregate meaning it is a mixture of granular minerals which can include natural or synthetic materials. The aggregate can be large or small, fragmented or whole.

2. Synthetic resins, epoxy or cementitious binders are mixed with the aggregate.

3. The mixture is compacted into slabs by a special vacuum and vibration process at high pressure.

4. The slabs are heat cured in a kiln at high temperatures. (left)

5. When the casting process is complete, the slabs are gauged calibrated and polished (right)

Also, solid agglomerates are produced in a variety of pigmented colors with granules of colored stone or glass. [Pictures courtesy of Trend USA]

Trend USA AgglomeratesVideo on the production and application of agglomerates by the company Trend USA, Miramar, Florida. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZapKAPAJsk

http://www.trend-group.com/en_US/trend-usa-mosaic-and-agglomerates

ESD Considerations Pros Using agglomerate materials reduces the

depletion of natural resources Agglomerates typically contain postindustrial or

post-commercial recycled stone or glass. Most agglomerates have a long life cycle Low maintenance requirements reduce energy

consumption

Cons Epoxy is a synthetic material that is considered

a carcinogen. Inhaling the dust from cut epoxy can be hazardous.

Properties of Agglomerates Durable Can be cast into any shape and match

any edge detail Virtually impenetrable to moisture Most agglomerates are resistant to acid

and staining Inherently antibacterial Will not fade in sunlight

Applications Solid agglomerates are used for horizontal and vertical interior millwork surfaces such as:tabletopsbar topsconference tableswindowsillsfireplace surroundsbathroom vanities shower wallsfood preparation areas

Maintenance and Cost? General maintenance: immediate removal of dirt, liquids and spills ASAP with a neutral detergent and cloth Always review manufacturers recommendations!

Cost: can be fairly inexpensive to expensive depending on brand, amount and quality.

Picture and Book Sources: Picture Sources: http://www.weiku.com/products/8556989/Architectural_Aggregate_stone.html http://www.stonetohome.com/gbu0-prodshow/Thames+Gold+SAMPLE.html

legacyindustrial.blogspot.comwww.rona.ca 

www.cynergyergonomics.com www.accentmarblegranite.com  jgkitchens.blogspot.com www.pentalonline.com  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/08/prweb1212664.htm www.care2.com www.radford.edu  graniteandmarblesupplies.com www.trend-group.com www.trendusa.com Courtesy of Google Images

Book Source: Gesimondo, Nancy, and James Christopher Postell. "Interior Millwork: Materials."Materiality and Interior Construction. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley, 2011. 328-31. Print.