A comparison of the manufacturing processes for Limix tiles and normal tires is shown in the diagram below. As stated before, unlike regular tires, the manufacture of Limix does not involve the typical burning processes. The total energy required to produce 1 kg of the product is, thus, only 1/5 of that required to make regular tires. This results in a manufacturing process that is very environmentally friendly.
Manufacturing process, energy consumption comparison
Limix tile
Normal baked tile
Glass tile
Total energy consumed (Kcal/kg)
1,190
5,871
4,349
Comparison of manufacturing processes for Limix and normal baked tiles
How Limix hardens
The natural binding agent of Limix - slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) - reacts to carbon dioxide contained in the air to change to calcium carbonate as indicated in the chemical formula shown below. This is the same hardening mechanism (air hardening) by which traditional Japanese lime plaster, which contains slaked lime, is made.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O
By reacting to carbonization the cast becomes very dense and, thus, the physical strength of the cast body gradually increases.
Physical properties
Comparative table of physical properties of Limix and some other construction materials
PDF).
