Vermiculite
Vermiculite is an hydrated Lamellar mica group of minerals, when heated to a high degree of temperature exfoliates and expands 8 to 14 times in volume and yields Exfoliated Vermiculite by loss of water molecules.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The bulk density of Exfoliated Vermiculite is 172 Kg/M3 for size from 6mm to 12mm and 225 Kg/M3 for size below 1mm. The colour of Raw Vermiculite is light to dark brownish yellow, greenish or almost black. When heated, the colour changes to lustrous gold/golden brown with a silver (or) bronze tint.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF EXFOLIATED VERMICULITE
- Feather Light
- Low Thermal conductivity
- Non-conductivity of electricity
- Fire resistant
- Echo Proof (Acoustical insulation)
- Termite resistant
- Optimum compatibility with cement
USES
In Building Activities, these are recommended as best thermal insulator and an ideal substitute than any other weathering course material. These are used in cold face insulator as insulation bricks in furnaces, in plaster aggregates as fire proof material in structures, in Water leakage arrestor and in Insulation ill for homes.
Advantages
- Low electricity cost
- Less load on structures
- Cost effective
- Fuel conservation
In Horticultural / Agricultural Activities it is used to booster soil strength and as light weight compound for terrace garden
Advantages
- Requires less watering
- Retains moisture and nutrients
- Improves soil aeration & drought tolerance
- Needs no additional feeding
- Eliminates damping off
- Helps in faster seed germinations
In Bio-Technological Activities, these are used as carrier material of microbial inoculation for seed treatment and as a medium for tissue culture
Advantages
- Reduces usage of chemical fertilisers
- Reduces bulk density in soil
- Increases hydraulic conductivity in soil
- Increases porosity in soil
NEW APPLICATIONS
- Compressed false ceiling sheets for roof insulation
- Clay mineral barrier in canal lining to eliminate seepage loss
- Polluted waste water remediation (Dye effluent / tannery effluent treatments)
- Waste land developments enriching with nutrient