Vermiculite

VERMICULITE is the name given to a group of hydrated laminar minerals which are aluminium-iron-magnesium silicates, resembling mica in appearance.Vermiculite is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral which undergoes significant expansion (exfoliation) when heated. It is very lightweight and mixes easily with other mediums.

Chemical Composition

SiO2: 38-46%

Al2O3: 7-9%

Fe2O3: 4-20%

MgO: 22-36%

CaO: 2.0-3.5%

K2O: 2.1-4.6%

TiO2: 0.2-1.5%

Packing: 50kg, 1,000kg, 1100kg or 1200kg bags.

Quantity: 20-25Mt/20'GP

CRUDE VERMICULITE consists of thin, flat flakes containing microscopic layers of water. EXFOLIATION On being subjected suddenly to high temperatures (700°C to 1000°C) vermiculite flakes will expand to many times their original size due to the microscopic layers of water turning to steam and forcing the laminar layers apart. 

EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE consists of accordion-like granules containing microscopic air layers, to which vermiculite owes its light weight and excellent insulation properties.Keep your plants hydrated & aerated!

Vermiculite has been successfully used as soil improver in Horticulture and Agriculture helping the plants to thrive.

It increases aeration and moisture retention, saving 30-50% water.

Vermiculite helps plants growing faster and it is ideal for transplanting, flowers arranging, newly seeded lawns and roots cutting.

Exfoliated Vermiculite by Mathios Refractories is Asbestos free, non-toxic and environmentally safe.

Applications:

Brake linings: finer grades of exfoliated vermiculite are being used in brake linings primarily for the automotive market. The properties of vermiculite that make it an appropriate choice for use in brake linings include its thermal resistance, ease of addition to other raw materials to achieve a homogeneous mix, and its shape and surface characteristics.

Seed germination: vermiculite, alone or mixed with soil or peat, is used to germinate seeds; very little watering is required. When vermiculite is used alone, seedlings should be fed with a weak fertilizer solution when the first true leaves appear. A tablespoon of soluble fertilizer per one imperial gallon (3.78:1) of water is the recommended mix.

Fireproofing products: Exfoliated vermiculite is one the ingredients in the manufacture of cementitious and gypsum-based spray-grade fireproofing material, generally used as Passive Fire Protection products on structural steel and concrete.

As a packing material, valued for its high absorbency.

As a lightweight aggregate for plaster, proprietary concrete compounds, firestop mortar, and cementitious spray fireproofing: Exfoliated vermiculite is used in both hand and spray-applied general building plasters to improve coverage, ease of handling, adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, fire resistance, and resistance to chipping/cracking/shrinkage.

As an additive to fireproof wallboard.

As a component of the interior fill for firestop pillows, along with graphite.

As a carrier for dry handling and slow release of agricultural chemicals.

Used in in-ground swimming pools to provide a smooth pool base: Finer grades of exfoliated vermiculite plus Portland cement may be combined either on-site or in a factory premix to provide a base for swimming pool vinyl liners.

Used in gas fireplaces to simulate embers.