What is Vermiculite Mineral?
What is Vermiculite Mineral?
Vermiculite mineral is a hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate mineral which resembles mica in appearance. What’s more, the mineral is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite. It is mined using open cast mining techniques where the ore is screened and classified into five different particle sizes namely: Large, Medium, Fine, Superfine and Micron. Vermiculite undergoes significant expansion when heated. The mineral is expanding into worm-like strands. When expanded it drastically increases its volume and absorption ability. It is a silica mineral and is appropriate for use in agriculture, horticulture, construction and industrial sectors. Vermiculite is also an excellent material for fire-proofing and insulation. It is also suitable for use in insulation or as a moisture-retentive medium for growing plants
Dandy Solutions LTD is the leading wholesale supplier of vermiculite in Nairobi Kenya.
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Properties of vermiculite mineral
- 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
- It has excellent insulation properties
- Neutral Carrier
Vermiculite is a registered animal feed carrier used in pre-mixes in the animal feed industry.
- Fireproofing
Its aggregates have been used in fire-proofing products for decades.
- High water retention capacity optimizing water efficiency
It enhances germination, root, and shoot development. Vermiculite continues to provide the benefits of moisture retention throughout the growth cycle.
Applications areas of Vermiculite Mineral
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.
Horticultural
- Potting Mixes
- Seed Germination
- Blocking Mixes
- Sowing Composts
- Hydroponics
- Micro-Propagation
Construction
- Insulating and Light-Weight Concrete
- Gypsum Plasterboard
- Loose fill Loft Insulation
- Acoustic Finishes
- Passive Fire Protection
- Floor & Roof Screeds
- Sound Deadening Compounds
Agricultural
- Bulking Agent
- Fertilizer Carrier
- Pesticide Carrier
- Seed Encapsulation
- Soil Conditioner
- Animal Feed
- Anti-Caking Material
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 –e.g for Industry and Tobacco Barns
- Insulation Blocks & Shapes
- Nuclear Waste Disposal
Call +254748246998 to place your order
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