You are welcome to the Iranian Mineral world. Find Barite Gilsonite Dolomite Bentonite Feldspar Kaolin Silica Silica Sand Cement white cement Portland cement Sulphate resistance Portland Cement Type I Portland Cement Type II Portland Cement Type III Portland Cement Type v Pozzolania Cement Clinker Pozzolania Moderate Sulphate Resistance Low Heat Portland cement Pozzolanic Cement Sulphate resistance slag Cement RF cement 450 RF cement 500 RF cement 550 P.K.Z. cement and many more mineral factories, quarries, shipping lines make your mineral order inspected in Iran. Be sure about every detail on Iranian Mineral market such as qualities, price.
Perlite
home > perlite
Quick links
Minerals
Mineral Info.
Investment Low
Overseas Service
Events
Mineral Search
>> What is Perlite?
>> Perlite Physical Properties
>> Main Properties of Perlite
>> Porous Texture
>> Liquid Retention
>> Air Circulation
>> Low Density – Can't be Compacted
>> Chemically Neutral
>> Perlite Uses
>> Recommended Filled of Application

What is Perlite?

Perlite is not a trade name but a generic term for naturally occurring siliceous rock. The distinguishing feature which sets perlite apart from other volcanic glasses is that when heated to a suitable point in its softening range, it expands from four to twenty times its original volume.
This expansion is due to the presence of two to six percent combined water in the crude perlite rock. When quickly heated to above 1600°F (871°C), the crude rock pops in a manner similar to popcorn as the combined water vaporizes and creates countless tiny bubbles which account for the amazing light weight and other exceptional physical properties of expanded perlite
This expansion process also creates one of perlite's most distinguishing characteristics: its white color. While the crude rock may range from transparent light gray to glossy black, the color of expanded perlite ranges from snowy white to grayish white.
Expanded perlite can be manufactured to weigh as little as 2 pounds per cubic foot making it adaptable for numerous applications.
Since perlite is a form of natural glass, it is classified as chemically inert and has a PH of approximately 7.
Perlite is mined and expanded all over the world. Iran is estimated to be the largest producer of crude and expanded perlite. However, there is very strong world wide production and consumption of perlite.

Perlite Physical Properties

G.E. Brightness 50-85%
Refractive Index 1.47
Color White
Oil adsorption, gms oil/gm 50-100
Hardness Handle ability Good
Hardness Ignition Loss, (1 hour at 1800F) 2.0% max
Specific Gravity 2.34
Moisture,% <1
Water adsorption, % weight 200-600
Flow ability Good
Absorption rate Instantaneous

Main Properties of Perlite

Expands when heated: Crushed perlite has the property of expanding when heated at varying temperatures between 900o to 1100o C. Its volume may increase four- to twenty-fold.

Perlite Porous Texture

Surface pores or cavities develop on perlite particles during dilation. These pores trap moisture on which plant roots thrive. Perlite particles are irregular in shape and leave air passages in the soil at the base of plant cultures, for optimal aeration.

Perlite Liquid Retention

Perlite’s porous texture retains moisture and fertilizers. With appropriate granule size, perlite provides optimal irrigation as well as perfect drainage for all your horticultural projects.

Air Circulation

Because of their irregular shape, perlite particles provide aeration in growing mixes and substrates, and in many industrial applications.

Low Density – Can't Be Compacted

Since heated perlite increases in volume while keeping the same mass, expanded perlite has a very law density which, combined with its other characteristics (neutral pH and porous texture), makes it an ideal filling material which cannot be further compacted.

Chemically Neutral

Perlite is an odorless, non-flammable, and non-explosive chemical; an inorganic component which does not deteriorate. Other benefits of horticultural perlite are its neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5) and the fact that it is sterile and weed-free. These reasons explain its popularity for various applications from window boxes to filtration in pharmaceutical and food industries.
Low Conductivity – Insulation, Fireproofing and Soundproofing: Perlite’s law conductivity makes it an ideal refractory material in bricks or tiles or as insulating material in pipes

Perlite Uses

There are many uses for perlite. These uses can be broken down into three general categories: construction applications, horticultural applications, and industrial applications
Construction Applications
Because of perlite's outstanding insulating characteristics and light weight, it is widely used as loose-fill insulation in masonry construction. In this application, free-flowing perlite loose-fill masonry insulation is poured into the cavities of concrete block where it completely fills all cores, crevices, mortar areas and ear holes. In addition to providing thermal insulation, perlite enhances fire ratings, reduces noise transmission and it is rot, vermin and termite resistant. Perlite is also ideal for insulating law temperature and cryogenic vessels. When perlite is used as an aggregate in concrete, a lightweight, fire resistant, insulating concrete is produced that is ideal for roof decks and other applications. Perlite can also be used as an aggregate in Portland cement and gypsum plasters for exterior applications and for the fire protection of beams and columns. Other construction applications include under-floor insulation, chimney linings, paint texturing, gypsum boards, ceiling tiles, and roof insulation boards.
Horticultural Applications
In horticultural applications, perlite is used throughout the world as a component of soil less growing mixes where it provides aeration and optimum moisture retention for superior plant growth. For rooting cuttings, 100% perlite is used. Studies have shown that outstanding yields are achieved with perlite hydroponics systems. Other benefits of horticultural perlite are its neutral PH and the fact that it is sterile and weed-free. In addition, its light weight makes it ideal for use in container growing. Other horticultural applications for perlite are as a carrier for fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides and for pelletizing seed. Horticultural perlite is useful to the home gardener as it is to the commercial grower. It is used with equal success in greenhouse growing, landscaping applications and in the home in house plants.

Perlite Industrial Applications

Industrial applications for perlite are the most diverse, ranging from high performance fillers for plastics to cement for petroleum, water and geothermal wells. Other applications include its use as a filter media for pharmaceuticals, food products, chemicals and water for municipal systems and swimming pools.
Additional applications include its use as an abrasive in soaps, cleaners, and polishes; and a variety of foundry applications utilizing perlite's insulating properties and high heat resistance. This same heat resistant property is taken advantage of when perlite is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks, mortars, and pipe insulation.

Recommended Filled of Application

Kind of powder Talc Mica Kaolin Red Iron oxide Fluorine Dolomite Calcite Bentonite Barite
Ceramics  
Chinaware              
Excavation        
Elecrode      
Feed              
Glass        
Glaze          
Glue            
Gerannlation (p.v.c)                
Insecticide          
Isolation              
lining            
Paint    
Pharmaceutical        
Plastic          
Rulp & paper          
Rubber        
Textile