What is the density of perlite?

What is the density of perlite?

around 1100 kg/m3
Unprocessed perlite has a bulk density around 1100 kg/m3 (1.1 g/cm3), while expanded perlite typically has a bulk density of about 30�150 kg/m3, so it is much lighter in weight per volume.

What is the meaning of expanded perlite?

Expanded perlite is an amorphous, highly porous, granular material of volcanic origin. Its two main components are Al2O3 & SiO2. The low density temperature stability and high porosity are the main properties of expanded perlite.

What’s the meaning of perlite?

Definition of perlite : volcanic glass that has a concentric structure, appears as if composed of concretions, is usually grayish and sometimes spherulitic, and when heated expands to form a lightweight aggregate used especially in concrete and plaster and as a medium for potting plants.

Are there different grades of perlite?

Types of perlite After heating and expansion, horticultural perlite is separated into four different grades based upon the particle size: super coarse, coarse, medium, and fine grade.

How much does perlite expand?

four to 20 times
Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous rock that, when heated, expands from four to 20 times its original volume.

What is the specific gravity of perlite?

2.2-2.4
Typical Physical Characterictics of Perlite

Color: White
G.E. Brightness %: 70-80
Refractive Index: 1.47
Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.4
Apparent Density: 2.5-10.5 lb/ft3 or 40-170 KG/M3

How is expanded perlite made?

The commercial product is produced by heating the ground, sieved material to 760–1100°C. The combined water in the perlite is converted to gas at high temperature in the oven and subsequently the volume expands 4–20 times its original volume, resulting in a lightweight high porosity material.

How do you expand perlite?

Perlite is an igneous mineral composed by silicon, aluminum, oxygen and water. It can be expanded by heating it up at temperatures above 870 °C, then it becomes plastic, and the steam formed inside pressures out of the mineral.

What size is #3 perlite?

around 1/2 inch
The #3 measures around 1/2 inch and the Coarse is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Knowledgeable Staff – Contact Us for more info about our products. Mother Earth® Perlite is naturally occurring siliceous rock that when heated to 1600° F expands up to 20 times its original volume.

What is the water holding capacity of perlite?

Physical Characteristics—Due to enclosed air pockets, expanded perlite is very lightweight with a particle and BD of 0.7 and 0.1 g/cm3, respectively. It is very porous and can hold 3–4 times its weight in water.

What temperature perlite expands?

Perlite softens when it reaches temperatures of 850–900 °C (1,560–1,650 °F). Water trapped in the structure of the material vaporises and escapes, and this causes the expansion of the material to 7–16 times its original volume. The expanded material is a brilliant white, due to the reflectivity of the trapped bubbles.

What is perlite material?

Perlite is made from a mined volcanic glass of the same name. As a raw material it contains water, trapped by the rapid cooling of lava. The moisture vaporizes explosively when heat is applied.

How strong is perlite concrete?

Perlite concrete mixed at a ratio of 1 part cement to 6 parts perlite has an insulation value, or “k” value, of 0.64 and a compressive strength of 125 to 200 pounds per square inch. At a ratio of 1 part cement to 4 parts perlite, you achieve a “k” value of 0.83 and compressive strength of 350 to 500 pounds per inch.

What is perlite made of?

What is perlite insulation used for?

In addition to its use as an insulator in buildings, perlite is used for the insulation of low-temperature equipment, such as super-cold storage and cryogenic tanks, as well as in food-processing applications.

Is perlite the same as pumice?

Perlite is a mined siliceous rock that is heated and expanded, or “popped” like popcorn, into a white lightweight material, while pumice is a soft, insert-mined stone that often comes from Oregon.

Does perlite increase water retention?

perlite provides. e perlite industry provides both coarse grades that drain liquid easily, and ne grades with lower porosity that retain more water for longer periods of time. of glass bubbles and concave openings, so each particle can soak up a good amount of water.

How do you make expanded perlite?

  • August 25, 2022