Environmental and impact testing of post-consumer fused recycled glass tiles for architectural applications

Abstract

We present the findings of environmental exposure and impact testing on the commercialised output from a spin-out company producing fused recycled glass material, evaluating its suitability for architectural use in both commercial and domestic settings. Recycled glass from various post-consumer sources has been processed and reshaped into a new crystalline material. The raw glass, sourced from consumer discarded bottles and plate-glass from demolition sites, has been crafted by hand and fused in a kiln to form large sheets of fused recycled glass. As part of its circular economy efforts, the fused recycled glass material is free of any additives, resins, or inorganic binders. To determine suitability for architectural use installed externally or in kitchens and bathrooms, the fused recycled glass material was cut into tile shapes and subjected to accredited standard testing methods. Five samples from seven different glass types were evaluated in an accredited setting of dry heat, damp heat, and freeze–thaw cycles. The samples underwent five cycles of exposure to the aforementioned conditions. Close visual inspection of the tiles from all glass material types showed no effects from the extreme conditions and remained in the same state as they were prior to testing. Impact resistance testing of the glass samples produced varied results for each type of glass material and its origin. Two tile sets were found to have the same impact energy resistance as commercially available ceramic and porcelain tiles of similar dimensions. This affirmed the validity of using fused recycled glass material in architectural applications.