What is Perlite?
Perlite is considered to be one of nature’s most efficient and versatile minerals. It is a type of glassy volcanic rock form that is made up of a unique chemical composition and crystalline water content. It is when perlite ore grains are abruptly exposed to immediate heat near to the sufficient temperature of their softening point (of 850° C) that the combined water rapidly vaporizes causing them to expand between 7-25 times their original volume.
This expansion process produces countless air voids within the grains, accounting for its lightweight, insulating and fireproof properties.
Uses of Perlite
Foundary
Slag coagulant - Unexpanded Perlite
Construction
Lightweight constructionHeat insulation - CryogenicsFire proofing Absoprtion of sound
Food
Used for filtering materials for production ofSoft drinksCooking oil
Agriculture
Treatement amelioration of soilControl of liquid dung manurePesticides
Environmental protection
Gathering oil spills from the surface of waterFiltration of water in pools
While it is obvious that Perlite offers a variety of uses for multiple purposes and sectors yet there are many more being discovered everyday.