Uses Of Perlite?
As the chart on page 2 indicates,
there are many uses for perlite. These
uses can be broken down into three
general catagories: construction applications,
horticultural applications and industrial
applications.
Construction
Applications
Because of perlite's outstanding insulating
characteristics and light weight,
it is widely used as a loose-fill
insulation in masonry construction.
In this application, free-flowing
perlite loose-fill masonry insulation
is poured into the cavities of concrete
block where it completely fills all
cores, crevices, mortar areas and
ear holes. In addition to providing
thermal insulation, perlite enhances
fire ratings, reduces noise transmission
and it is rot, vermin and termite
resistant. Perlite is also ideal for
insulating low temperature and cryogenic
vessels.
When perlite is used
as an aggregate in concrete, a lightweight,
fire resistant, insulating concrete
is produced that is ideal for roof
decks and other applications. Perlite
can also be used as an aggregate in
Portland cement and gypsum plasters
for exterior applications and. for
the fire protection of beams and columns.
Other construction applications include
under-floor insulation, chimney linings,
paint texturing, gypsum boards, ceiling
tiles and roof insulation boards.
Horticultural Applications
In horticultural applications, perlite
is used throughout the world as a
component of soilless growing mixes
where it provides aeration and optimum
moisture retention for superior plant
growth. For rooting cuttings, 100%
perlite is used. Studies have shown
that outstanding yields are achieved
with perlite hydroponic systems.
Other benefits of horticultural perlite
are its neutral pH and the fact that
it is sterile and weed-free. In addition,
its light weight makes it ideal for
use in container growing.
Other horticultural applications for
perlite are as a carrier for fertilizer,
herbicides and pesticides and for
pelletizing seed. Horticultural perlite
is as useful to the home gardener
as it is to the commercial grower.
It is used with equal success in greenhouse
growing, landscaping applications
and in the home in house plants.
Industrial
Applications
Industrial applications for perlite
are the most diverse, ranging from
high performance fillers for plastics
to cements for petroleum, water and
geothermal wells. Other applications
include its use as a filter media
for pharmaceuticals, food products,
chemicals and water for municipal
systems and swimming pools.
Additional applications include its
use as an abrasive in soaps, cleaners
and polishes and a variety of foundry
applications utilizing perlite's insulating
properties and high heat resistance.
This same heat resistant property
is taken advantage of when perlite
is used in the manufacture of refractory
bricks, mortars, and pipe insulation.
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