subject: Various Typical Applications For Using Vermiculite [print this page] Lightweight concretes and screeds Lightweight concretes and screeds
Vermiculite concretes are lightweight, have good insulating properties and are basically fire resistant. Vermiculite concretes are used in-situ roof and floor screeds and in the fabrication of precast products. Vermiculite concretes can also be used for insulating around back boilers and as a fire back support substance.
Lightweight roof screeds, as a slope to drain, not only shed water but can decrease the steel structure design while providing a even insulating roof substrate for the roof membrane.
Vermiculite plasters
Vermiculite plasters can be made with gypsum or Portland cement and have high coverage, good workability, excellent fire resistance and very good adhesion to low suction backgrounds. Vermiculite plasters offer many advantage over conventional plasters.
Loose fill insulation
Loose fill vermiculite can be used between joists in lofts for home insulation. The free flowing properties of exfoliated vermiculite make installation very easy. The insulating properties of vermiculite significantly reduce the loss of heat in cold weather and keep the interior cool in hot weather. It also used as a sound absorbent material.
Fire protection
Vermiculite is familiar as a material particularly suited for fire protection. Vermiculite-based products range from factory made boards and panels to premixed coatings suitable for application by mechanical spray or by hand plastering techniques on a range of structures. These coatings are extensively used in the petrochemical industry and in the tunnel lining.
Horticulture
Vermiculite is well established as a growing medium and Vermiculite for horticulture and agriculture is very famous . It is used to produce a range of growing media mixed with peat or other growing substrates to suit every application. The presence of vermiculite increases aeration and moisture retention, and through its high cation exchange capacity (CEC) it minimizes fertilizer leaching. Vermiculite can also be used as a transporter and extender for fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. It is also used in a ground form for encapsulating seeds.
Refractory & high temperature insulation
Vermiculite for refractory and high temperature insulation is usually linked with alumina cements, fire clays and silicates to produce a wide range of vermiculite products which, depending on type and application can endure hot face temperatures of up to 1,100C.
Friction linings
Vermiculite is now used extensively in the friction lining industry (e.g. brake and clutch linings) as a safe alternative to asbestos, and plays a vital role in this field.
Swimming pool liners
Swimming pools are lined with various mixes of exfoliated vermiculite, Portland cement and special additives. Vermiculite for pools make a firm resilient base for vinyl liners and protect a pool bottom from cold ground temperatures. If changes in water table levels occur the porous base avoids problems. For above ground pools exfoliated vermiculite can create a soft resilient pad for the liner.
Packing material
Exfoliated vermiculite is simply poured around irregular shaped objects and provides a cushion against shock during handling and transportation. Being highly absorbent, exfoliated vermiculite is a perfect material in the event of a leak with liquids.
Animal feed
Refined form of vermiculite is used in animal feedstuffs. It is used as a support and carrying medium for a wide range of nutrients, fat concentrates vitamins and molasses.
