AN ultra-lightweight, thermally-insulating and fireproof aggregate for plaster screed and concrete, Pratliperl from Pratley can assist the construction industry in meeting quality standards such as SANS 204.
That’s according to Pratley’s Marketing Director Eldon Kruger, who added that this was particularly important due to an increased focus on energy-efficiency in building.
Specified for lightweight plaster and screeds, Pratliperl has been pre-treated to enable it to mix with ordinary cement. Kruger said the thermal insulation properties of a two-leaf (220 mm) external brick wall can be doubled simply by adding 16 mm of Pratliperl plaster on either side of the wall.
“Not only is Pratliperl a ‘green’ building material that can assist in meeting sustainability criteria, the fact that it is ultra-lightweight slashes the cost of high-rise structures in particular. In addition, the product is highly durable, and features good acoustic properties. It can even be gunited when applied to large surfaces.”
Applications range from underfloor insulation and insulated roof decks to lightweight screeds on corrugated iron or concrete roofs, fireproofing structural steel columns, insulating cryogenic tanks, loose-fill thermal insulation in wall cavities, and lightweight tile adhesive filler.
Kruger said that apart from its excellent thermal insulation properties, Pratliperl is also resistant to spalling under fire conditions, which improves the integrity of structures and enhances health and safety. The product can withstand temperatures of up to 1 250°C without comprising its structural integrity.
“Once cured, Pratliperl has superior strength compared to conventional lightweight concrete. Compatible with cement and other binders, it can be used to produce ultra-lightweight panels, boards, bricks, and blocks that can be cut, nailed, and drilled.”