LiGrA Pyroflam — Fire-Resistant Aggregates for Safer Buildings and Infrastructure

Introduction

Fire safety in buildings, tunnels, and industrial facilities relies on materials that can withstand extreme heat, protect structures, and prevent toxic emissions. Traditional fireproofing systems use vermiculite, perlite, and mineral wool as aggregates in plasters and coatings.

LiGrA Pyroflam, produced by foaming and sintering recycled glass fines with industrial ash, offers a next-generation fireproof aggregate. It provides the same thermal stability as traditional minerals while also encapsulating heavy metals from waste, turning an environmental liability into a safety solution.

The Challenge with Conventional Fireproofing

• Vermiculite: Proven fire resistance, but mined and imported → high cost.

• Perlite: Used in refractory concretes, but fragile and energy-intensive to expand.

• Plastic-based coatings: Degrade under heat, release smoke and toxins.

• Maintenance costs: Many coatings require reapplication every 5–10 years.

Real-World Precedents

• Vermiculite plasters: Widely used in steel fireproofing (e.g., underground stations in London).

• Perlite fire-resistant panels: Applied in European and Japanese construction since the 1980s.

• Foamed glass insulation: Tested for refractory linings in Germany and Japan, proven stable at 800–1,000 °C.

These precedents confirm that lightweight mineral aggregates are the backbone of fireproofing.

The LiGrA Pyroflam Solution

• High-temperature resistance: Stable above 1,000 °C.

• Non-combustible: No smoke, no toxic gases.

• Durable matrix: Stronger than expanded perlite; less brittle.

• Encapsulation: Locks heavy metals into a vitrified structure → safe, no leaching during fire events.

• Applications:

  • Spray-applied fireproofing for steel structures.

  • Panels and boards for tunnels and industrial plants.

  • Loose-fill Pyroflam granules for passive fire barriers.

Hypothetical Project: MRT Tunnel Fireproofing, Singapore

Scenario: LiGrA Pyroflam boards installed in a 3 km MRT tunnel for passive fire protection.

Requirement: 500 m³ of Pyroflam boards.

1) Cost Comparison

• Vermiculite boards: $600/m³ × 500 = $300,000

• LiGrA Pyroflam boards: $450/m³ × 500 = $225,000

• Project saving = $75,000 upfront

2) Fire Safety Performance

• Pyroflam boards tested at >1,000 °C withstand 120 minutes fire exposure.

• Conventional vermiculite = ~90 minutes.

• Extra 30 minutes → critical for safe evacuation.

3) Environmental Benefits

• 500 m³ Pyroflam diverts ~400 tons of glass + ash from landfill.

• Encapsulation stabilizes ~8 kg Pb equivalent.

• Carbon footprint ~30% lower than imported vermiculite.

Before vs After 

👉 “Vermiculite proved mineral fireproofing works. LiGrA Pyroflam makes it local, cheaper, and greener — saving $75,000 per project and giving an extra 30 minutes of fire protection.”

Conclusion

From vermiculite to perlite, lightweight aggregates have been trusted for decades in fireproofing. LiGrA Pyroflam evolves this legacy, combining high-temperature performance, cost savings, and environmental detoxification. For tunnels, refineries, and high-rise buildings, Pyroflam is not just protection from fire — it’s protection for people, budgets, and the planet.