VERMICULITE

Product Description

Vermiculite is a hydrous silicate mineral which is classified under phyllosilicate. The expansion of the mineral on heating is termed as exfoliated vermiculite. It is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of Biotite or phlogopite. Vermiculite is further classified as follows

Crude Vermiculite

Crude vermiculite from the mine consists of golden / brown / silver flakes which are classified into five grades – each having specified range of particle sizes. The coarsest grade comprises particles ranging between 1mm and 7mm, whereas the finest grade consists of particles between 0.710mm and 0.250mm in size. The loose bulk density of crude vermiculite varies with the grade, but is typically between 700 and 1050 kg/m3. Vermiculite for agriculture and horticulture

Exfoliated Vermiculite

The process of exfoliation is nothing but passing the crude vermiculite through the furnace chamber in a controlled manner. The crude vermiculite then expands at right angles to the cleavage planes, producing concertina-shaped particles which are many times their original volume. Vermiculite for abrasives , pools,fire protection and packaging materials.

Applications of Vermiculite

• Animal Feedstuffs
• Bitumen Coated Vermiculite Screeds
• Chemically Processed Vermiculite
• Fire Protection
• Friction Linings
• Horticulture
• Insulation in Steelworks and Foundries
• Lightweight Concretes
• Loft Insulation
• Packing Materials
• Processed Vermiculite
• Refractory Products
• Silicate Bonded Shapes and Blocks
• Vermiculite Plasters

Vermiculite is a rich mineral which is well known for its ability of exfoliation which expands rapidly when it is heated. It is categorized based on its grades, density and many factors which is broadly classified into Crude and Exfoliated Vermiculite but vermiculite is mostly used in exfoliated form that serves various applications.