What is Vermiculite?

Vermiculite in Kenya is a hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate mineral which resembles mica in appearance. The mineral is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite. Vermiculite in Kenya is mined using open cast mining techniques where the ore is screened and classified into five different particle sizes in this case: Large, Medium, Fine, Superfine and Micron. Vermiculite undergoes significant expansion when heated, expanding into worm-like strands.

When expanded it drastically increases its volume and absorption ability. It is a silica mineral and is used for example in agriculture, horticulture, construction and industrial sectors. Vermiculite is also an excellent material for fire-proofing and insulation. It is also used for insulation or as a moisture-retentive medium for growing plants

Dandy Solutions LTD is the leading wholesale supplier of vermiculite in Kenya.

Call +254748246998 to place your order

Properties of Vermiculite in Kenya

• Firstly, it is Lightweight
• Secondly, it is chemically and biologically inert
• Thirdly, it has low thermal and electrical conductivity, good thermal insulation
• Fourthly, it is odourless and high liquid absorption capacity
• Non-combustible, low density
• Fusion temperature of  1260°C
• Lastly, it has good Aeration

Roots must have an adequate level of oxygen from the soil and aeration is the process that facilitates oxygen exchange.

• High cation exchange capacity (CEC)

CEC indicates the value of a soil to retain cation nutrients. The cation process captures available nutrients, ammonia (nitrogen ions), magnesium, potassium, and calcium for slow release

• Thermal ‘insulating’ properties
• Vermiculite has excellent insulation properties
• Neutral Carrier

Vermiculite is a registered animal feed carrier used in pre-mixes in the animal feed industry.

• Fireproofing

Vermiculite aggregates have been used in fire-proofing products for decades.

• High water retention capacity optimizing water efficiency

For instance, it enhances germination, root, and shoot development. Vermiculite continues to provide the benefits of moisture retention throughout the growth cycle.

Applications of Vermiculite in Kenya

In general coarser grades of vermiculite are used for loose-fill insulation and horticulture, whilst finer grades are used in building boards/plasters and in carrier applications for animal feeds and fertilizers.

Below are some of the main sectors where vermiculite is suitable for use:

Horticultural

• Potting Mixes
• Seed Germination
• Blocking Mixes
• Sowing Composts
• Hydroponics
• Micro-Propagation

Industrial

• Castables
• Fireproof Safes
• Absorbent Packing for Hazardous Goods
• Brake Pads & Brake Shoes
• Insulation – High & Low Temperature
• Molten Metal Insulation
• Fixation of Hazardous Material
• Furnaces –for example, Industry and Tobacco Barns
• Insulation Blocks & Shapes
• Nuclear Waste Disposal

Agricultural

• Bulking Agent
• Fertilizer Carrier
• Pesticide Carrier
• Seed Encapsulation
• Soil Conditioner
• Animal Feed
• Anti-Caking Material

Construction

• Insulating and Light-Weight Concrete
• Gypsum Plasterboard
• Loose fill Loft Insulation
• Acoustic Finishes
• Passive Fire Protection
• Floor & Roof Screeds
• Sound Deadening Compounds