What is an eco-friendly binder for and how is it used?

Some terms can be confusing to the uninitiated, especially when it comes to roads and construction. Those working in this field often encounter terms like "aggregates," " hydraulic lime ," "stabilized mix," " hydraulic invariance ," "binder," and so on. But even for novices, a basic understanding of the topic can be helpful, especially when it relates to the roads and streets we all travel daily. In this guide, we'll focus exclusively on the concept of binder , and specifically, that of eco-friendly binder , essential for creating a resistant , long-lasting, and high-performance natural pavement. So, let's start at the beginning, starting with the definition of the term.

What is an environmentally friendly binder?

To understand what an eco-friendly binder is, we must first understand what a binder is in general. In building materials technology, a binder is defined as a substance that, when mixed with water or in contact with air , bonds to aggregates and bricks, becoming hard and creating a resistant surface or conglomerate . An eco-friendly binder performs the same role, with the difference that the latter is certified as being free of radioactivity and does not use additives during production with secondary materials from waste from other industrial processes. An eco-friendly binder, in short, does the same job as a "traditional" binder, but without negatively impacting the environment or creating pollution.

Environmentally friendly binders and binders: a little history

The need to create stadiums, paths and level surfaces is as old as man. And if a few millennia ago we were "satisfied" with beaten earth, the development of new activities, industrial and otherwise, has triggered a new need: to create surfaces that are always practicable, resistant and capable of accommodating the most diverse vehicles.

Thus, the concept of binder began to emerge : the need was to make the bond between the granules and the typical aggregates of the soil more stable and durable, as these, due to rain, frost, or constant vehicle traffic, struggled to remain compacted for long periods. Starting in the mid-19th century, bituminous pavements began to emerge : a byproduct of petroleum processing, bitumen has binding properties that, at the time, seemed unproblematic.

The course of events has undermined this certainty, both in terms of performance and environmental impact (see pollution and fossil energy sources). Not to mention that, moreover, bitumen is certainly not suitable for every place: in a site with high landscape value, in an archaeological context or, simply, within a park surrounded by nature, bituminous paving does not meet aesthetic standards required. So what to do when even concrete is not a viable option?

Research and innovation in materials have led to the creation of eco-friendly binders perfect for creating stabilized roads and pavements, including those with a rammed earth effect. Unlike rammed earth, however, these materials are long-lasting, resistant, and high-performance.

Eco-friendly binder: what it is for and where it is used

Let's now turn to the purposes and contexts in which eco-friendly binders are used, both in the private and public sectors. An eco-friendly binder is ideal for creating eco-friendly pavements , which are increasingly popular today, including for parking lots and rest areas. Generally speaking, however, it is a construction material suitable for rural roads, pedestrian and cycle paths within natural parks, and is perfect for public and private gardens, golf course paths, archaeological sites, or anywhere where it is necessary to maintain the surrounding context, even in terms of colour and material.

Terra Solida eco-friendly binders, leader in the green flooring sector

Terra Solida has made green roads its mission and core business. Indeed, the company offers a complete line of eco-friendly binders , some of which—while acting as binders—are actually special concentrated natural additives that promote the use of specific, and in turn, eco-friendly, binders. Below are a few examples.

Openbind

This eco-friendly binder from Terra Solida is a three-component product composed of hydraulic lime, inorganic oxides, and fibers. Openbind is used to create draining pavements in both public and private settings. To ensure the surface's performance, no additional binder is needed. For those seeking unique effects, the compound can be pigmented with natural oxides, perfect for those seeking unique and distinctive colors for their eco-friendly walking surfaces.

Nature Premix

Besides being eco-friendly, Nature Premix is ​​a powdered binder-consolidant. Its use is recommended in situations where natural and permeable stabilized earth pavements are required. In this case, the compound is mixed with soils present on site, offering significant environmental and economic benefits.

Stabilsolid

Stabilsolid is a binder-consolidant used for stabilizing soil or stabilized mixes. Composed of hydraulic limes and inorganic oxides, it increases the performance requirements of the materials used, thus increasing the durability of the surface itself.

Stabilsana

It acts like a binder, but is actually an adjuvant additive, obviously eco-friendly. Stabilsana is used primarily for the construction of natural gravel roads, perfect for natural settings or in protected and protected areas.

In short, today when it comes to natural flooring there is no shortage of options: research into materials has made giant strides, even in the binder sector. Choosing eco-friendly materials today is easier than ever: and the environment and health thank you!