Vermiculite material and what it is: what is it made from, what is it used for

We can say about vermiculite that it is calcined mica based on aluminosilicates. It is obtained from the natural mineral of the same name, which goes through several stages of processing, including calcination. Thanks to this, a mixture of granules of small fractions is obtained, which are distinguished by thermal insulation, sound insulation and other useful properties described in the article.

What is vermiculite

Some of the most common minerals in nature are aluminosilicates. These include vermiculite, the basis of which is:

• aluminum;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• water (in a chemically bound state).

We can say that vermiculite is a soft mineral of various colors. It usually has a brownish-yellow color. Basalt rocks are mined in nature and fired in kilns, similar to brick production technology. Then it is crushed into small fractions from 0.6 to 5 mm.

You can understand what vermiculite is from the presented photo. From left to right, samples of different fractions are presented from larger to smaller sizes. Essentially, it is a loose mixture of fairly small particles. The density of the material is from 100 to 200 kg per m3. Depending on this, there are 3 brands:

• M-100 corresponds to a density of 100 kg per m3;
• M-150 – vermiculite of moderate density 150 kg per m3;
• M-200 is the most dense material, the figure corresponds to 200 kg per m3.

Properties and applications of vermiculite

We can say about vermiculite that it is a natural raw material, on the basis of which the material of the same name is produced, which has the following properties:

• environmentally friendly, safe composition;
• low thermal conductivity;
• fire resistance;
• sound absorption;
• high covering power;
• low expansion coefficient when heated;
• resistance to weathering processes;
• high moisture capacity (absorbs water).

Based on this, it is easy to understand what vermiculite is used for and in what areas it is used:

• metal production;
• energy;
• automobile production (in brake pads);
• in paper production;
• for growing plants (maintaining moisture, loose soil structure);
• there is an option to use vermiculite in livestock farming - it is used as an additional component of animal and bird feed;
• production of electrodes.

Application of vermiculite in construction

If we talk about why vermiculite is needed, we can separately highlight its use in construction. The powder is used for a variety of purposes:

• fire protection for metal frame;
• mound for heated floors;
• self-leveling floor component.
• vermiculite, the photo of which is presented above, is used in plaster and other mixtures;
• production of partitions with heat-resistant properties;
• in chimneys (bulk material between the outer and inner surfaces of the pipe).

What vermiculite is made from determines its most important properties. The material is fire resistant and helps protect structures and surfaces from fire. In addition, vermiculite contains aluminosilicates, which conduct heat poorly.Therefore, this material is used for thermal insulation. Since it is quite dense, the mixture is also used for sound insulation.

As a rule, we are talking about expanded granules that undergo additional processing (long-term calcination) during production. The material turns out to be porous and free-flowing, due to which the described properties of vermiculite appear.

Moreover, it is used not only in the form of a mixture, but also in a slab. Such products protect reinforced concrete, steel, wooden structures, as well as cable routes from fire. They are also used to build stoves and fireplaces.

Thus, the mineral vermiculite is used in a variety of fields. The largest volumes go to construction needs. Also, quite often the mixture is used when growing plants and as feed for animals and birds.