EXPANDED GLASS SAND
Fine-Grade Expanded Glass for Mortars, Adhesives & Specialty Mixes.
Tech Silica’s Expanded Glass Sand is the fine-particle counterpart to our Expanded Glass Granulate – same closed-cell silicon dioxide chemistry, optimized for applications where fine aggregate performance matters most. Available exclusively through Tech Silica’s distribution partnership with Glasphera, expanded glass sand brings lightweight, workable, and sustainable performance to mortar, tile, and specialty concrete systems.
WHAT IS EXPANDED GLASS SAND?
Expanded glass sand occupies the finer end of the Glasphera expanded glass particle range. It is produced using the same rotary kiln process as expanded glass granulate – starting from a silica flour base, wet-processed into a green grain, then expanded under controlled temperature to achieve the target particle size. The finer grades that result are particularly well-suited to applications that require flowability, workability, and consistent particle distribution in a fine aggregate matrix.
Like all expanded glass products, this material is inert, closed-cell, and free of organic content. It will not react with cement paste, does not absorb water through capillary action, and is dimensionally stable across a wide range of temperatures.
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Property | Value |
Composition | Amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) |
Particle Structure | Closed-cell, no water absorption via capillary action |
Recycled Content | 100% post-consumer waste glass |
Particle Range | Fine grades from the Glasphera expanded glass product line |
Density | Significantly lighter than natural sand |
Pricing Method | By volume (cubic yard) — not by weight |
Packaging | 1.2 cubic foot bags, 50 bags per pallet (~15–20 lbs/bag) |
APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS
Dry Mortar Systems
Expanded glass sand integrates readily into dry mortar formulations where reduced weight, consistent particle distribution, and inert behavior are required. The fine particle range allows it to function as a partial sand replacement without disrupting grading curves.
Tile Adhesives & Grouts
The rounded, uniform particle shape creates a measurable improvement in workability for tile adhesive systems - often described as a 'ball bearing effect' that makes the adhesive easier to spread and apply. Grout systems also benefit from the consistent fine particle distribution and reduced unit weight.
GFRC Mixes
Glass fiber reinforced concrete relies on consistent, lightweight fine aggregate to achieve the right matrix density without adding unnecessary mass. Expanded glass sand fits naturally into GFRC formulations, supporting lower component weight and improved finish quality.
Veneer Stone & Architectural Precast
For veneer stone and architectural precast applications, fine aggregate consistency is critical to surface quality and dimensional accuracy. Expanded glass sand provides that consistency while contributing to reduced panel weight, an advantage for both fabrication and installation.
Specialty Coatings & Paints (Emerging)
Current particle sizes are not yet fine enough for paint and coatings applications, but that's changing. Glasphera's new production facility, expected online in the near term, will produce particles under 100 microns, opening the door to paints and coatings industries currently struggling to find high-recycled-content fine fillers.
WHY EXPANDED GLASS SAND OVER NATURAL SAND?
Natural sand extraction is resource-intensive and increasingly subject to environmental scrutiny – approximately 250 gallons of water are consumed per ton of processed material, and that impact is rarely reflected in EPDs. Expanded glass sand offers a genuinely recycled alternative that holds up under performance specs, not just marketing claims.
Beyond sustainability, there are practical performance and logistics advantages:
Significantly lighter than natural sand reduces unit weight and freight cost
Closed-cell structure eliminates capillary water absorption
100% recycled post-consumer waste glass
Inert chemistry - will not react with cementitious systems
Improves workability in adhesives and mortar through particle shape
Supports LEED, EPD, and green building compliance goals
SUPPLY & LOGISTICS
Tech Silica holds exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Glasphera expanded glass products. Inventory is maintained domestically, and our team can help you navigate grain size selection, mix design support, and sample requests.
Detail | Info |
U.S. Inventory Locations | Chicago, IL and Brooklyn, NY |
Standard Lead Time | 45 days |
Packaging | 1.2 cu ft bags | 50 bags/pallet |
Bulk | Super sacks available for high-volume users |
READY TO TRY EXPANDED GLASS SAND IN YOUR FORMULATIONS?
Sample kits are available with multiple particle sizes so you can evaluate the material in your own lab or mix designs before committing to volume. Our team – and Glasphera’s application lab – can support you through the process.
Contact Us to Request Samples or Get a Quote