1.GASKETS OR SEALS

     One of its important commercial applications is to be used as protection part for automobile catalysis converter in gasket. One company in the United States consumes a large quantity of vermiculite each year to produce this product and some other companies also manufacture similar products.

2.FIREPROOFING

     Vermiculite is recognized as a material particularly suited for fire prevention and high temperature applications such as furnace insulation, the petro chemical industry and tunnel construction as well as being used with molten metals as a mould lining and in fireproof safes and fire doors.

3.INSULATION IN STEELWORKS AND FOUNDRIES

    Good thermal insulation, low density and its natural refractory properties combine with ease of application to make vermiculite a highly suitable material for use in steelworks and foundries. It is used for topping molten steel to reduce heat loss from ingots and ladles and generally as loose-fill insulator.

4.PACKING MATERIALS

    Exfoliated vermiculite is a useful packing medium.Not only it is lightweight,clean and easily poured around irregular shaped objects,it also provides a good baffle against shocks caused by impact and improper handling. Being highly absorbent,it is used as a packing for the transit of hazardous chemical liquids,also in accidental spillage.It is used as a packing material for storing fruit,bulbs and tubers.Being soft and non-abrasive it has also been used effectively for insulation and cushioning the base of plastic-lined swimming pools.

5.ANIMAL FEEDSTUFFS

    Vermiculite is free flowing,soft,sterile and absorbent.This means it has found a role as a support and carrying medium for a range of nutrients such as fat concentrates,vitamin preparations and molasses.The use of vermiculite gives a high volume yield and accommodates a high liquid uptake whilst retaining good handling characteristics,so simplifying the process of mixing with other materials.

6.FRICTION LININGS

    Vermiculite is now used extensively in the friction lining industry (eg.brake and cluth linings) as a safe alternative to asbestos, and plays an important role in this field.

7.REFRACTORY PRODUCTS

    Vermiculite for refractory and high temperature insulation is normally bonded with alumina cements,fire clays and silicates to produce a wide range of vermiculite products which,depending on type and application can withstand hot face temperature of up to 1,100°C. The type of refractory products made using vermiculite are:Pre-fired clay bonded insulation firebricks;Castable high alumina concretes for back up insulation;High alumina bonded bricks,slabs and special shapes;silicate bonded insulating shapes and molded products and silicate bonded shapes and blocks.Pressed vermiculite block insulation can be used in high temperature kilns,furnaces,combustion plants,boilers,wood burning stoves and night storage heaters.It is widely accepted as an alternative for asbestos or man-made mineral fibre insulation.

8.Processed Vermiculite

    Vermiculite may be milled before or after exfoliation according to the range of particle sizes required.Such milled or ground material may be used for the production of sound-absorbing coatings;condensation control paints;high performance gaskets and seals and for upgrading the fire resistance of organic foams and other polymer based system.Exfoliated vermiculite can be colored to suit its end use.

1.SOIL IMPROVEMENT

    As well known,under almost all kinds of soil conditions,vermiculite is used to improve soil or correct soil deficiencies(e.g.to lighten clay soils).Vermiculite is commonly used as growing medium providing ideal conditions for plant growth.

2.FERTILIZER CARRIER

    Vermiculite is used as a carrier and extender for fertilizer,and usually size 4 or superfine vermiculite is used in this producing.Furthermore,vermiculite is also used as a carrier and extender for herbicides and pesticides making products with a well free flowing property.

3.HORTICULTURE

    Expanded vermiculite is a good medium for the stimulation of roof growth and the production of young plants,especially well used in sand,peat and infertile soil.It can also regulate or control the changeful temperature and moisture.Most commonly used in compost formulation.The presence of vermiculite particles in the compost aids aeration,improves moisture retention and promote the steady release of added fertilizer.And also as potting compost,widely used in soilless culture.

4.HYDROPONICS

    Expanded vermiculite is a major element in hydroponics growing system.The basic principle of hydroponics is simple:aqueous solution can concentrate on providing nutrition for growing plants.Hence,the plant does not necessarily waste its energy in mineralizing soil of root growth,but only needs to effectively use its energy on growing leaf and fruit.Plants can grow in water which contains few soluble chemicals.Three of four important nutrient elements:calcium,magnesium and potassium are found in vermiculite.

1.BITUMEN COATED VERMICULITE PLATES

    Vermiculite,coated with bitumen can be used as ideal lightweight plate for the roof.It has the advantage of low thermal conductivity(heat insulation),dampproof and easy storage etc.

2.CONSTRUCTION COATINGS

    Vermiculite coating is a lightweight aggregate with a wide range of applications,the most important is to be used as protection for high buildings.Usually construction steel starts to crook at 550°C and this temperature in big fire will cause buildings collapse.Vermiculite can protect the constructional damage of steel caused by fire.Vermiculite-cement coating can not only prolong the time before collapse for residents to evacuate in time,but also prevent steel from damage to reduce the cost of replacement or removing.

3.LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETES

    Vermiculite concretes are lightweight,have a good insulating properties and are intrinsically fire resistant.Vermiculite concretes may be used in the roof and floor and in the fabrication of pre-cast products.Vermiculite concretes can also be used around back boilers and as a fire back support material.

4.LOOSE FILL INSULATION

    Loose fill vermiculite can be used between joists in lofts for home insulation.The free flowing properties of exfoliated vermiculite make installation very simple.The insulating properties of vermiculite significantly reduce the loss of heat in cold weather and keep the interior cool in hot weather.Because it is lightweight, it is used to modify the density of various architectural materials to enhance sound absorption properties in acoustical panels,ceiling tiles and textured ceilings.

5.VERMICULITE PLASTERS

    Vermiculite plasters can be made with either gypsum and Portland cement.The advantage which all type of vermiculite plasters give over conventional plasters are:improved coverage;lighter weight;improved workability;excellent resistance;reduced thermal conductivity;improved adhesion to a wide range of backgrounds and increased resistance to cracking and shrinkage.Vermiculite plasters,whether gypsum or cement based,can be applied by hand or by spraying machine.Being a non-abrasive aggregate,vermiculite is well suited to spray application and the sprayed plasters can have an attractive decorative appearance.

6.FIREPROOF BOARD

    Vermiculite can be used to produce boards.High grade vermiculite essential can also be bonded with plastic plank to improve fire-resisting capacity.This application enjoys a wide popularity today.