Alternatives to Silica for Construction Materials

What To Use Instead Of Silica For Your Company HQs

Are you looking for an alternative to silica in construction? If so, you have come to the right place. Asbestos Courses Australia will tell you all about those alternatives!

The most commonly used alternative to silica is lightweight concrete. Lightweight concrete, also known as aerated concrete or autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), is made using specific mixes of cement, gypsum, and shards of sand that are mixed with water to create a slurry. This slurry then undergoes a chemical reaction with an aluminum-based compound which releases hydrogen gas bubbles, giving the material its characteristic lightness. Many construction businesses have switched over to using this type of material in order to prevent their workers from being exposed to harmful silica dust particles.

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Another popular alternative to silica on the market today is hydraulic lime. Hydraulic lime has been used in construction for thousands of years; it was traditionally produced by heating chalk or limestone to a very high temperature and then grinding it into a fine powder. Today, hydraulic lime is made using modern industrial processes in which water is added to the material in order to form a paste that can be used for bonding and plastering. Because of its relatively weak binding properties, hydraulic lime is often mixed with other materials to create stronger cement mixtures.

Another alternative to silica that you may want to consider is geopolymer concrete. This innovative material was developed more than 50 years ago by scientists at the French Atomic Energy Commission, but only recently has it gained widespread popularity among construction businesses looking for safer alternatives to silica. Geopolymer concrete is created from fly ash and metakaolin (a type of clay mineral) that is mixed together with a hydrated lime and sodium silicate solution. This mixture undergoes a chemical reaction to form aluminosilicate gels, which are mixed with other ingredients to create the final product. Geopolymer concrete has many desirable characteristics, such as excellent binding properties and low shrinkage.

As you can see, there are many alternatives to silica that your business can use in order to keep its employees safe from harmful silica dust particles. Whether you choose lightweight concrete, hydraulic lime, or geopolymer concrete, you can rest assured knowing that your workers will be able to do their jobs without risking their health!