Abstract: An industrial precursor suitable for making resilient construction materials for use in interior and exterior applications is produced by homogenizing a glassy material together with a plasticizer and suitable solvent. The homogenized material is extruded, dried, and ground into pellets. The industrial precursor may be stored indefinitely, and is processed into construction materials by packing the industrial precursor into a heat-resistant mold, and thermally treating the industrial precursor to sinter it into a construction material having a substantially defect-free surface and strong tensile strength.
Abstract: A decorative construction material such as a glass tile is produced from recycled glass granulate, and exhibits a smooth, external surface substantially free from defects on one side of the tile. One or two layer tiles may be produced. A binder, together with control of the maximum temperature and temperature gradient in the layers, if applicable, is used during manufacture to ensure a substantially flawless outer surface.
Abstract: A method of producing a resilient decorative construction material from waste products such as slag granulate or waste glass granulate is taught. The waste glass granulate may contain paper, adhesives, plastic, or other contaminants. The construction material may be in the shape of a tile and used in interior or exterior applications. A layer of material comprising glass granulate, slag granulate, or sand, or mixtures thereof, is placed in a heat-resistant mold. The layer has first and second surfaces. The layer is thermally treated, and is initially heated so that a temperature gradient is established throughout the layer, with the first surface having a first temperature no greater than the softening point, and the second surface having a second temperature less than the first temperature. These temperatures are held for a period of time, and the layer subjected to further heating.
Abstract: A decorative construction material such as a glass tile is produced from recycled glass granulate, and exhibits a smooth, external surface substantially free from defects on one side of the tile. One or two layer tiles may be produced. A binder, together with control of the maximum temperature and temperature gradient in the layers, if applicable, is used during manufacture to ensure a substantially flawless outer surface.
Abstract: A decorative construction material such as a glass tile is produced from recycled glass granulate, and exhibits a smooth, external surface substantially free from defects on one side of the tile. One or two layer tiles may be produced. A binder, together with control of the maximum temperature and temperature gradient in the layers, if applicable, is used during manufacture to ensure a substantially flawless outer surface.