Industrial Uses for Perlite and Vermiculite
Perlite and Vermiculite are both light weight, fireproof, non-toxic, porous, have an optimum capacity for liquid retention and can be produced in a variety of grades (sizes) and densities (weights) which makes them useful and versatile in a number of industrial applications.
Listed below are the most common industrial uses for Perlite and Vermiculite.
- Abrasives - Mildly abrasive for polishing and grinding.
- Absorbents - To clean up liquid spills in the automotive, janitorial, food packaging, health and safety and environmental for hazardous clean up.
- Animal Feed - A support and carrying medium for nutrients, fat concentrates, vitamins and molasses.
- Carriers - For pesticides, feed concentrates, herbicides.
- Chemical Filter Aid - Organic and inorganic chemicals, sulphuric acid, brine, adhesive, polymers.
- Fireproofing - Boards, panels, spray applied plasters.
- Cryogenic Insulation - Insulation for low temperature gas and liquids.
- Disposal Wells - Lightweight, insulating and adaptable to various geological needs.
- Fillers - Shrink and crack resistance, nontoxic, fireproof and insulating
- Friction Linings - Brake and clutch linings Insulation – high temperature, pipe, acoustical.
- Packing Materials - Lightweight, absorbent, cushioning material for chemical and fragile packaging.
- Paints and Textured Coatings - Waxes, oils, varnish, gums, shellac, paint, available in fine and coarse (smooth and rough) textures.
- Plastics - Light weight filler, large surface area, moldable, recyclable.
- Pool Water Treatment and Filtration - Safe, nontoxic and natural filler media for pools and spas.
- Refractory Products
- Reinforced Cement Plasters - Fireproof, light weight, stable and durable coating that can deaden sound and insulate.
- Sealants - Fine texture for smooth surfaces, high brightness, mildly abrasive.
- Soaps and Cleansers - Abrasive in soaps and cleansers.
- Stonewashing - Used for softening and aging of denim and fabrics.
- Traction Materials - Helps create traction on snow and ice; also great for slippery surfaces.
- Storm Water Bio Filters - Providing a nontoxic, inert media to capture effluent and sediment from water runoff to prevent pollution in the natural water supply.
- Air Filtration - Cleans pollutants from industrial air streams.
Learn about Construction Applications for Perlite and Vermiculite.