VERMICULITE: MINERAL AND EXFOLIATION PROCESS

• Mortars and refractory elements: vermiculite is used as an ingredient in low to medium temperature refractory elements (up to 1200°C) and is used to build and/or coat ovens and as mortar for joining refractory pieces.
• Isolation: passive fire protection. Manufacture of mortars. Ceramic furnaces.
• Iron and steel industry: vermiculite concentrates are used as padding for liquid metal. Due to the heat released by these metals, vermiculite expands and acts as an insulating layer thus preventing heat loss.
• Seedbeds: vermiculite works excellently as a cover for seedling trays to maintain the humidity and temperature of the seed. It also helps to maintain the soil moisture and increase its retention capacity.
• Substrate: vermiculite can be mixed with all kinds of organic substrates, providing them with a distinct capacity to be well aerated. The structure of vermiculite remains unchanged over time, allowing it to maintain a high aeration rate in the substrate. It also helps to regulate water consumption by acting as a reservoir.
• Animal nutrition: vermiculite acts as a binding, anti-caking and coagulant agent. Due to its high adsorption capacity, vermiculite is used to support and carry a wide variety of nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins and antibiotics used in the preparation of additives for animal feeds.
• Gypsum: vermiculite is a basic ingredient in the development of new lightweight projected gypsum mortars.
• Vermiculite plates: vermiculite boards or plates provide fire resistance, thermal insulation and stability. They are ideal for wood burning stoves and all types of doors and partitions.

Processed Vermiculite
Vermiculite may be milled before or after exfoilation according to the range of particle sizes required. Such milled or ground material may be used for the production of anti-drumming coatings, condensation control paints, high performance gaskets and seals and for upgrading the fire resistance of organic foams and other polymer based systems. Exfoliated vermiculite can be coloured to suit its end use (eg. retail display).
Refractory Products
Vermiculite for refractory and high temperature insulation is normally bonded with alumina cements, fire clays and silicates to produce a wide range of vermiculite products which, depending on type and application can withstand hot face temperatures of up to 1100°C.