| Perlite |
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Information AboutPerlite |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PERLITE | |
| igneous rocks | |
| granular materials | |
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Perlite is an Amorphous Volcanic Glass that has a relatively high Water content. It occurs naturally and has the unusual property of greatly expanding when heated sufficently. PROPERTIES AND USES When it reaches temperatures of 850–900 °C, perlite softens (since it is a glass) and water trapped in the structure escapes and this causes the expansion of the material to 7–15 times its original volume. The expanded material is a brilliant white, due to the reflectivity of the trapped bubbles. Unexpanded ("raw") perlite Bulk Density : around 1100 kg/m³ (1.1 g/cm³). Typical expanded perlite bulk density: 30–150 kg/m³ Due to its low density and relatively low price, many commercial applications for perlite have developed. In the Construction and manufacturing fields, it is used in lightweight Plaster s and Mortar s, Insulation , ceiling tiles and filter aids. In Horticulture it makes composts more open to air, while still having good water-retention properties; it makes a good medium for Hydroponics . Perlite is also used in Foundries , Cryogenic insulations and in Ceramics as a Clay additive. TYPICAL ANALYSIS OF PERLITE
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