Description

Expanded Shale, Lightweight Aggregate is a versatile, engineered ceramic material produced by heating specific shale minerals in a rotary kiln, causing them to expand and form a porous, lightweight structure. This process yields a product with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, thermal insulation properties, and excellent durability, making it a critical component in modern construction and horticulture. It is essential for industries seeking to reduce structural load, improve energy efficiency, and enhance drainage and aeration. Key users include manufacturers of lightweight concrete, masonry blocks, precast elements, and professionals in green roof systems, geotechnical fills, and soil amendment applications.

Application

• Lightweight Concrete Production: Primary aggregate for structural and non-structural concrete, reducing dead load and improving thermal and fire resistance.
• Masonry Units: Key ingredient in the manufacture of lightweight concrete blocks and bricks, offering improved handling and insulation properties.
• Geotechnical and Structural Fill: Used behind retaining walls, in bridge abutments, and over weak soils to reduce lateral earth pressure and settlement.
• Horticulture and Green Roof Systems: Provides optimal drainage, aeration, and moisture retention as a growing medium component or drainage layer.
• Precast and Prestressed Concrete: Enables the production of lighter, more manageable panels, beams, and architectural elements.
• Roof Deck Insulating Fill: Applied as a loose-fill insulation material beneath roofing membranes to enhance thermal performance.
• Fireproofing and Refractory Applications: Utilized in aggregates for fire-rated concrete and refractory castables due to its high-temperature stability.
• Landscaping and Soil Amendment: Improves soil structure, drainage, and root development in turf management and decorative landscaping.

Basic Information

Product Name	Expanded Shale, Lightweight Aggregate
CAS No.	68513-92-8
Molecular Formula	Not Applicable (Complex inorganic silicate mixture)
Molecular Weight	Not Applicable
Synonyms	Expanded Shale Aggregate; Lightweight Expanded Shale Aggregate (LESA); LWA (Lightweight Aggregate); Ceramic Lightweight Aggregate; Sintered Shale; Bloated Shale; Exclay; Haydite; Buildex; Roystone; Geolite; Leca (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) - related product.
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Expanded Shale Aggregate is manufactured under strict process controls to ensure consistent particle size distribution, bulk density, and structural integrity, meeting or exceeding standards such as ASTM C330 and ASTM C331. Every production batch is tested for key parameters including loose bulk density, absorption, and compressive strength. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing lot-specific properties are available upon request to support your project specifications and quality assurance protocols.

Storage

Preserve in a dry, well-ventilated area. Store in original, sealed bags or covered bulk containers to prevent contamination and moisture absorption. Protect from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. No special temperature control is required under normal indoor storage conditions.

Specification

Item	Specification
Loose Bulk Density (Dry)	550 - 880 kg/m³ (35 - 55 lb/ft³)
Particle Size (Grading)	3/8", 1/2", 3/4", or as per customer request
Absorption (24-hr)	10 - 25% by weight
Specific Gravity (Bulk, SSD)	0.55 - 0.85
Compressive Strength (Individual Particle)	≥ 5 MPa (725 psi)
pH (of leachate)	Neutral to slightly alkaline
Loss on Ignition	< 3%
Organic Impurities	Passes ASTM C40 test

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.