A team of engineers and innovators over at RMIT University in Australia have developed a revolutionary glass cladding that provides a significant upgrade in eco-friendly credentials over existing materials due to the fact that it is made out of recycled glass.
This glass cladding comprises 83 percent ground glass which typically ends up in the landfill, with the rest of the material including fire-retardant materials and polymer binders. Due to this unique mix of materials, the cladding is robust and can meet typical building structure requirements, but is also water-resistant and economical.
Associate Professor Dilan Robert noted that the cladding's fire-resistant properties are crucial given the importance of claddings in mitigating the spread of fire. 'Building fires can happen anywhere at any time and cannot be predicted. Therefore, fire safety requirements should be embedded in the design of buildings,' Robert said.
Eco-Friendly Glass Claddings
This Fire-Resistant Cladding Material is Made From Recycled Glass
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Claddings - The use of recycled materials in cladding design offers an opportunity for businesses to adopt a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in building design and construction.
2. Fire-resistant Cladding Materials - This technology provides an opportunity for building product manufacturers to improve fire safety and develop innovative fire-resistant cladding materials that meet building structure requirements.
3. Polymer Binders in Cladding - The use of polymer binders in cladding materials presents an opportunity for businesses to develop more robust and water-resistant cladding materials with improved structural properties.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry could benefit from this technology by incorporating eco-friendly and fire-resistant cladding materials in building designs.
2. Manufacturing - Manufacturers of cladding materials can explore the use of recycled glass and polymer binders in their products to meet the demand for more sustainable and innovative building materials.
3. Fire Safety - The development of fire-resistant cladding materials can benefit the fire safety industry, as it provides an innovative solution to help mitigate the spread of fire in high-rise buildings and other structures.