|
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION |
| Basic elements in % |
| Silica |
SiO2 |
38.00-41.00% |
| Alumina |
Al2O3 |
7.00-10.00% |
| Oxide of Iron |
Fe2O3 |
8.0-11.00% |
| Titanium Oxide |
TiO2 |
0.35-0.95% |
| Lime |
CaO |
1.00-3.00% |
| Magnesia |
MgO |
10.50-12.50% |
| Potash |
K2O |
2.50-4.00% |
| Phosphorous |
P2O5 |
0.01-0.40% |
| Cromium |
Cr2O3 |
0.02-0.25% |
| Sodium |
Na2O |
2.00-3.50% |
| Flourine |
F |
0.20-0.80% |
| Chlorine |
Cl |
0.00-0.50% |
|
The typical ranges shown above have been derived from recent analysis data from representative samples of raw vermiculite. |
|
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
| Density |
Raw Vermiculite : 22 to 40 kg/Cft
Expanded Vermiculite : 1.6 to 4.5 kg/Cft |
| Incombustibility |
Can be used upto 11000C |
| Sintering Temperature |
12600 C |
| Melting Point |
13000 C |
| Specific Gravity |
2.2 to 2.7 |
| Hardness |
1.5 to 3 on M.O.H's scale |
| PH Value |
7.0 (alkaline) |
| Expansion |
10 to 20 times its original volume |
| Thermal Conductivity |
0.053 to 0.056 at 700 C mean K Cal/m/hr/0C |
| Solubility |
Insoluble in water or organic solvent |
| Cation Exchange |
90 to 100 milli equevalents as per 100 gms |
| Water absorption retained by Expanded Vermiculite per Cu Ft. |
10 to 12 liters of water |
| Water vapour absorption in relation to humidity |
Raw: 2.6% by weight
Expanded: 1% by weight |
USES:
moulded shapes, bonded with sodium silicate for use in:
a. high-temperature insulation
b. refractory insulation
c. fireproofing of structural steel and pipes
soil conditioner
as loose-fill insulation
packing material, valued for its high absorbency
suitable as a substrate for various animals and/or incubation of eggs .
lightweight aggregate for plaster, proprietary concrete compounds, firestop mortar and cementitious spray fireproofing
as an additive to fireproof wallboard
component of the interior fill for firestop pillows, along with graphite
carrier for dry handling and slow release of agricultural chemicals
soil additive for plants, together with perlite for potted plants
growing medium for hydroponics.
means to permit slow cooling of hot pieces in glassblowing, lampwork, steelwork, and glass bead making
used in in-ground swimming pools to provide a smooth pool base
used in commercial handwarmers
used as a sterile medium for the incubation of reptile eggs
light-weight insulative concrete
used in AGA cookers as insulation
used in explosives storage as a blast mitigant |
| NOTE: As Vermiculite is a natural mineral, the properties and composition of supplied material may vary slightly from the above. |
