Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a hydrous silicate mineral which is classified under phyllosilicate. The expansion of the mineral on heating is termed as exfoliated vermiculite. It is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of Biotite or phlogopite. Vermiculite is further classified as follows

Crude Vermiculite

Crude vermiculite from the mine consists of golden / brown / silver flakes which are classified into five grades – each having specified range of particle sizes. The coarsest grade comprises particles ranging between 1mm and 7mm, whereas the finest grade consists of particles between 0.710mm and 0.250mm in size. The loose bulk density of crude vermiculite varies with the grade, but is typically between 700 and 1050 kg/m3. Vermiculite for agriculture and horticulture

Exfoliated Vermiculite

The process of exfoliation is nothing but passing the crude vermiculite through the furnace chamber in a controlled manner. The crude vermiculite then expands at right angles to the cleavage planes, producing concertina-shaped particles which are many times their original volume. Vermiculite for abrasives , pools,fire protection and packaging materials.

Applications of Vermiculite

Animal Feedstuffs

Bitumen Coated Vermiculite Screeds

Chemically Processed Vermiculite

Fire Protection

Friction Linings

Horticulture

Insulation in Steelworks and Foundries

Lightweight Concretes

Loft Insulation

Packing Materials

Processed Vermiculite

Refractory Products

Silicate Bonded Shapes and Blocks

Vermiculite Plasters

Vermiculite is a rich mineral which is well known for its ability of exfoliation which expands rapidly when it is heated. It is categorized based on its grades, density and many factors which is broadly classified into Crude and Exfoliated Vermiculite but vermiculite is mostly used in exfoliated form that serves various applications.

How Vermiculite is Used in Horticulture

Vermiculite is used in the different applications. In that horticulture plays major role of using vermiculite for seed germinations, rooting and Potting mixes

AL TOUSIFF MINERALS India explain about some uses of the vermiculite. Some of them are follows.

Seed Germination:

Vermiculite is the ideal for germination of the seeds in the horticulture.

It has more water holding capacity, so they have good and direct contact with the seeds.

Before germination of seeds they are mixed with vermiculite and kept in the bag for good contact with germination.

Vermiculite is applied to outer part of the seed for capping of the seeds.

Rooting and Cuttings:

Vermiculite are used to stimulate the root growth.

50/50 mix cuttings are generally used on the open bench root.

Not only it is used for stimulate the growth of root but also they are used in cutting of roots.

Potting Mixes:

Vermiculite is very light but it holds more water property, so they have excellent capacity to absorb water and nutrients slowly to plants via roots.

They are widely used for green house pot plants.

They are generally suitable for the bedding plants and housekeeping plants.

Uses of Vermiculite – A Resourceful Mineral

Vermiculite is one of the widely used mineral for numerous applications in various domain industries. The term Vermiculite is derived from a Latin word “vermiculare”, which means to breed worms. The mineral undergoes an expansion process on heating called exfoliation. By this property of expansion, it forms a worm like structure, hence it was named so. The mineral resembles mica in appearance, and it is found in very many regions like Australia, Brazil, Uganda, Zimbabwe, china.

On exfoliation, Vermiculite becomes weightless, incombustible, compressible, less reactive, highly absorbent and compatible. It possesses the characteristic of retention of water which by mixing with various chemicals, on different combination and at various pressures and temperature, forms new material that can be used for wide-ranging applications.

Vermiculite for agriculture and Horticulture, construction, factories and industrial markets, poultry are some of the main areas where it is being used. The various applications of vermiculite are as follows.

Vermiculite for Agriculture

Vermiculite in agriculture field is used as fertilizer, sorbent, mulch, meliorant, radio protector transporter and extender for fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and so on. The mineral can be used for soil of any mechanical composition. It increases the fertilizer efficiency twice of that the original and reduces the nitrate part in the soil to enhance the plant yield.

Vermiculite for Horticulture

Vermiculite increases moisture retention and aeration that can be effectively used in Horticulture.

Vermiculite for pools

Vermiculite is used as an effective packaging medium. It has the property of shock absorbent. The nature of soft and non-abrasiveness of the material is used as valuable insulating and cushioning the base of swimming pools that are plastic lined.

Vermiculite for abrasives

Vermiculite provides thermal, sound isolation and friction lining as a safe substitute to asbestos. As the concretes made of vermiculite are light weight, it is used as roof tops, floor screeds, etc. Vermiculite when used as plasters and abrasives, it improves the workability and resistance to cracking and shrinkage.

Fireproofing Vermiculite Spray

Fireproofing Vermiculite spray is a lightweight coating that provides very efficient fire resistance with minimal thickness to steel structure and concrete frames, metal floor and roof decks. Structures protected with vermiculite spray can provide fire resistance for up to 240 minutes. Building types that will benefits include a wide range of educational, leisure and entertainment centers, factories warehouses and commercial projects.

Fireproofing Vermiculite spray coating is suitable for fire protection of structural steel columns, beams, metal ducts and cables as well as textured finishes. It is approved for both internal and external use, as well as acoustic and heat applications.

Fireproofing Vermiculite spray is versatile, cost efficient and recommended for projects where other products are too difficult or expensive to apply.

It provides up to 4 hours of protection and is suitable for both internal and external usage.

AP FIRESPRAY supplies material and provides professional application with specifically designed spray equipment. Please contact AP FIRESPRAY

for on-site inspection and quotes.

Packing

Highly Absorbent Cushioning with Environmentally Safe Vermiculite

Vermiculite is widely used as a loose fill packaging material. It pours easily around irregular shaped objects and acts as a cushion against impact, shock and rough handling. Lightweight, absorbent, nonabrasive, vermiculite packing material is ideal for shipping hazardous waste, flammable liquids and industrial products, especially when leakage could occur. Being inorganic, vermiculite is fireproof. It is also a highly absorbent loose fill material and can safely retain leaks from packed materials. Vermiculite is UN approved for use in transporting hazardous liquids and materials.

High insulation yet lightweight

Absorbent

Fireproof

UN approved

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