Expanded perlite

Perlite is a naturally occurring acidic volcanic mineral. More precisely, it is acidic, hydrated sodium potassium aluminium silicate. Hundreds of millions of years ago, in eruptions of submarine volcanoes, the lava quickly set in contact with cold ocean water, and trapped drops of water within. These drops, trapped in the weathered and hardened lava, constitute merely from 2 to 5% of its volume and are responsible for its unique properties.

Natural perlite is a form of natural glass and it is chemically inert. As a result of roasting in temperatures ranging 900–1000 °C, its volume increases, even twenty-fold, and this is how white expanded perlite is created.

Lightweight material with versatile use.

Expanded perlite is extensively used globally in various branches of industry. It is used mainly in the construction sector as a levelling material to form substrate for screeds, as thermal and acoustic insulation, in the production of perlite concrete, for the insulation of wooden ceilings, for wall insulation, etc. It is also useful in gardening as a substrate component.

The properties of expanded perlite:

• refractory and chemically inert with stable volume,
• resistant to moisture and contamination (non-hygroscopic),
• high resistance to freezing, pests, micro-organisms and high temperatures,
• low thermal conductivity, so it can act as a thermal insulator,
• perfect material as an acoustic barrier.

Intended use:

• construction,
• metallurgy,
• agriculture,
• ceramics industry,
• food industry,
• environment protection,
• other applications.

Chemical composition:

• SiO₂ (65÷75%);
• Al₂O₃ (10÷18%);
• K₂O + Na₂O (6÷9%);
• MgO + CaO (2÷6%);
• Fe₂O₃ (1÷5%);

Safety:

Perlite has found various applications for over 50 years, and it has no negative impact on the human body unlike asbestos or silica dust. However, on longer exposure, perlite dusts can cause mechanical irritation, therefore it is advisable to use commonly available personal protection equipment, such as dust half- masks and protective goggles.

Photograph 1 below illustrates the path that the ZGM ZĘBIEC SA expanded perlite follows. On the right is shown a chunk of perlite ore, which is ground to achieve a desired grade (raw perlite, a grey powder). White perlite (visible on the left) is the product of expansion of the grey perlite.

Photo 1. From the perlite ore to expanded perlite.

Depending on the kind of raw material and the method of expansion, different granular fractions are obtained, which ZGM ZĘBIEC has divided into specific grades.

Perlite grains have globular shape (pearls), which is created as a result of tensions occurring during rapid cooling of the material. Besides the clear white colour, light grey and greyish shades can be found. Perlite has a waxy lustre or pearly gloss. It can be transparent or translucent.

Specific parameters of expanded perlite are determined with Customers.

Specific parameters of expanded perlite are determined with Customers.

Construction perlite is used as base or as a component of insulation materials. It has specific properties which make it an extremely attractive material for construction industry. It enhances the efficiency and plasticity of gypsum plaster, adhesives for ceramic tiles and wall insulation, mortar, as well as concrete mixes. It is used also as filling material for space between building walls. It is perfectly suited for roof and floor insulation and as well as wall and floor insulation (screeds).

Construction perlite is the basic thermal insulation material, used in many applications on the building site. It has excellent insulating and acoustic properties. It is lightweight and has a characteristic shape (small white granules). Thanks to that it is a good equivalent of styrofoam and traditional sand plaster.

Benefits of using construction perlite:

• perfect thermal insulation of roofs, ceilings, walls and floors,
• thermal and acoustic insulation,
• lightweight and ecological material.

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Perlite has been extracted, processed and used for applications for over 50 years, and it has no negative impact on the human body unlike asbestos or silica dust.

On longer exposure, perlite dusts can cause mechanical irritation, therefore it is advisable to use commonly available personal protection equipment, such as dust half-masks and protective goggles.

The ZGM ZĘBIEC SA perlite is accompanied by a mandatory safety data sheet.

The perlite produced by ZGM ZĘBIEC SA is accompanied by a mandatory safety data sheet. We hold Hygiene Certificate issued by the National Institute of Public Health No. B.BK.60111.0409.2024 dated 24 June 2024.