Different Grades Of Vermiculite and Their Uses

PVP vermiculite is useful in countless ways in modern businesses and production facilities, and is utilized across industries for many varied applications. As vermiculite manufacturers, Perlite Vermiculite Packaging Industries, Inc. (PVP) is here to provide helpful information to customers who are looking for resources on how to get the most out of their PVP vermiculite. If you don’t see the answer to your question below, check out our FAQ page for expanded content and always feel free to contact us for more information.

What Is Vermiculite?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that resembles mica. It is typically flat, shiny and charcoal to brown in coloration. When heated, vermiculite expands to an accordion-like form that can also be described as “worm-like” in appearance–hence the roots of the name in the Latin word for worm. It forms by natural processes, such as weathering, hydrothermal activity, or exposure to acidic conditions. Because it is an inert substance with lightweight, absorbent, and fire-resistant properties, vermiculite has a wide range of practical uses. Vermiculite is produced across the globe, from the United States to Brazil, Uganda, Turkey, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Grades & Sizes of Vermiculite

After vermiculite–typically found at a fairly shallow deposit depth–is extracted from open-pit mines, it is separated from debris and dried. The raw material is then taken to processing facilities and rapidly heated to high temperatures. Trapped water vaporizes, forcing the layers within the vermiculite to exfoliate ( expand) and separate, in a process called exfoliation. The volume of the material can increase by up to 20 times of the original. Exfoliated vermiculite is then graded by particle size and separated for use in various applications.

Available grades of PVP vermiculite include:

• Super Coarse (A4)

• Coarse (A3)

• Medium (D3, A2.5)

• Fine (A2)

• Micron (A0)

PVP vermiculite is available in the following package sizes for resale by vermiculite and perlite distributors or for use in products or production:

• 4 cu. ft. bags (plastic or paper bags available)

• 60 cu. ft.

• 70 cu. ft. - disposable

While PVP perlite sizing is fairly customizable, vermiculite offers more limited options due to availability and geological considerations. At PVP we work with international and domestic mines, and The Vermiculite Association to ensure that pure, high quality vermiculite is always available to our customers.

Vermiculite Applications and Uses

PVP vermiculite is useful across various industries, including the construction, horticultural, industrial, and other more unique trades and sectors. Due to its long list of unique qualities–inert, permanent, clean, odorless, non-toxic, sterile, pH neutral, water-retentive, fireproof, insulating, lightweight–PVP vermiculite can play many varied roles in modern production processes.

Here are some common examples of use cases to assist you in selecting the ideal grade for your needs and operations. If you have questions regarding your own requirements or specifications, please contact us–we are happy to help.

Super/Extra Coarse (A4)

Super coarse vermiculite is ideal for use as an absorbent and/or cushioning packaging material. It can readily absorb potentially harmful oils, chemicals and other substances, while also reducing transit costs due to its lightweight nature. In the horticulture and agriculture fields super coarse vermiculite can help to improve soil aeration and loosen compaction and is often used in hydroponic growing systems. It is also central to the manufacturing of lightweight concrete, insulating plasters, and loose-fill insulation in wall cavities, attics, and between masonry blocks. Super coarse vermiculite also has high-temperature applications in steelworks and foundries as steel frame cladding and slag removal, fire-resistant coatings for structural elements, pipelines, and industrial equipment, and as a safer alternative to asbestos.

Coarse (A3)

Horticultural uses of coarse vermiculite include improving soil quality by boosting aeration and drainage, and enhancing water and nutrient retention in soilless mixes for container gardens, raised beds, and hydroponic systems. It is also used in fireproofing products and lightweight aggregate in concrete and plaster. Coarse vermiculite can also be used in screed for floors and roofs and as a packaging and cushioning material for fragile goods and hazardous liquids. In the industrial sector, coarse vermiculite can help to solidify and absorb chemical spills, and is used for environmental cleanup and chemical processing.

Medium (D3, A2.5)

Medium grade vermiculite is often used as a component of potting soil and is ideal for seed germination. It is also used in propagation and seed starting and is commonly included as a general soil amendment in container and garden bed plantings. In the construction industry, medium grade vermiculite is used in the production of fire-resistant boards and lightweight insulation, lightweight roof and floor screed and refractory concrete. Other uses include as a moisture regulation component in pet bedding and a packaging and cushioning option for shipping, absorbing, and disposing of hazardous liquids. Medium grade vermiculite is also used in the manufacture of friction linings, such as brake and clutch linings. 

Fine (A2)

Horticultural uses of fine grade vermiculite include seed starting, growing of delicate seedlings, and rooting cuttings in production facilities. It is also used as a soil conditioner. Fine grade vermiculite is used agriculturally as an ingredient to bulk up animal feed, carry nutrients, and prevent caking and clumping. Similarly in the chemical and industrial sectors, fine grade vermiculite serves as a carrier or bulking agent for chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.), a chemical spill absorbent and more. It can be used to create fireproof coatings and specialty automotive paints, lacquers and sealants. It is also ideal for use as a functional filler or additive in anti-drumming coatings, condensation control paints, gaskets, and inclusion as a safe alternative to asbestos in brake and clutch linings

Micron (A0)

Micron grade vermiculite is the finest available and is often used as a filler or additive where small particle size and maximum surface area are needed, such as an anti-caking agent in animal feed or a carrier for chemicals and nutrients in the agricultural field. It can also be used as a seed coating. Micron grade vermiculite can also be used in gaskets and fluid sealing applications and other high heat applications. It is often used as a safe and non-toxic alternative to asbestos in brake and clutch linings and is included in various polymers, plastics, paints, coatings, industrial textiles and specialty papers. Micron grade vermiculite can also aid in wastewater and gas treatment as a fluid purifier.

All grades of vermiculite are useful in the storing and transport of bulb and root crops, along with a range of other horticultural uses. In fact there are many use cases that can stretch across grades–what we’ve listed here are some of the more popular options. For customized grade recommendations for your specific needs, feel free to contact us.

On top of these more traditional applications, PVP vermiculite can also have a unique range of uses in the archeological, conservation, ecological and art sectors. Vermiculite can be an ideal solution anytime that a safe, natural, lightweight, inert, odorless, fire and mold proof material is needed.

Vermiculite Manufacturers In Cleveland, Ohio

PVP Industries is always working to find more products and processes that would benefit from the versatility of vermiculite. To learn more, discuss whether vermiculite could be the solution to your production needs, or to work with us as vermiculite or perlite distributors, get in touch–we’re happy to find new ways to expand.