What Does
Vermiculite Mean?
Vermiculite is a mineral in the phyllosilicate group and resembles mica in appearance. It is gold-brown in color and has a pH of 7.0 to 9.5. Vermiculite is commonly known for its ability to greatly expand when subjected to heat. Vermiculite in its expanded, or exfoliated, form is flame resistant, non-reactive and lightweight. Vermiculite is typically used for industrial applications in its exfoliated form.
Corrosionpedia Explains Vermiculite
Vermiculite has many different applications, including:
- Mixed with coatings to increase the coating's insulating properties
- Fire protection
- Sound absorption
- Packaging and filtering material
Vermiculite is sometimes associated with asbestos. This is because one of the largest vermiculite mines also had nearby asbestos deposits that contaminated the vermiculite. However, this issue has been remedied and vermiculite is now checked for asbestos.