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Perlite

What is perlite?

Perlite is a generic term for naturally occurring siliceous rock, which contains water that expands into steam to produce a foamed structure. Perlite is distinguished from other volcanic glasses in that when heated to a suitable point, it expands from four to twenty times its original volume. This expansion is due to the presence of two to six percent water in the crude perlite rock. The rock pops like popcorn creating tiny bubbles which account for the amazing light weight and other exceptional physical properties of expanded perlite.

Geology

Perlite, or volcanic glass, is formed when lava in the form of molten rock spews out of a volcano, and cools in a rapid manner. During cooling water is trapped within the rock and the lava forms into a glass-like structure.

Physical properties

Lightweight
Excellent thermal and acoustic insulating properties
Elasticity
Fire resistance
Wide range of particle sizes

Construction
Filtration
Paints & Coatings
Personal Care
Horticulture

Construction
Filtration
Paints & Coatings
Personal Care
Horticulture

Construction

Used in the construction industry, perlite is a good thermo-acoustic insulator for cavity walls and a valuable, low density fire retardant additive, ideal for meeting current trends towards lightweight building materials and concrete.
Filtration

Natural perlites are ideal solutions for filtering of fruit juices and wine in particular the difficult to filter musts from thermo-vinification.
Paints & Coatings
- In dry mixes and ready-to-use plasters, perlite is an excellent additive for lightweighting.
- In paints, perlite is the most efficient matting agent; and in varnishes it provides matting and transparency.
Personal Care

The careful processing of perlite results in soft, fine particles suitable for use in a variety of personal care products where high purity, gentle abrasion, high absorption and matting effect are desired. Used in scrub applications, perlite is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to polymer-based microbeads.

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Horticulture

In horticulture, raw perlite is an environment-friendly soil amendment in growing substrates, where it improves plant growth as well as resistance to insects, disease and environmental stress.