Mandoval’s Vermiculite is non-toxic, asbestos free and environmentally safe.
Mandoval Vermiculite has an extensive range of Fire Proofing products used in building design.
Mandoval Vermiculite has a range of decorative and acoustic products.
Vermiculite plays an important role throughout the economy particularly in the Agricultural, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing and Horticultural sectors. Vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals, resembling mica in appearance. Vermiculite is hydrated phlogopite mica, which has the remarkable ability to expand to many times its original volume when heated, a process known as ex-foliation
Vermiculite is well established as a growing medium. It is most commonly used in compost formulations, usually in combination with peat. Vermiculite aids aeration, moisture retention and promotes the steady release of added fertilizers. Vermiculite itself contributes potassium, magnesium and a number of minor elements.
Vermiculite is free flowing, soft, sterile and absorbent. 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 greater volume yield and accommodates a high liquid uptake whilst retaining good handling characteristics.
Loose-fill Vermiculite can be used between joists in lofts for home insulation. The insulating properties of Vermiculite significantly reduce the loss of heat in cold weather and keep the interior cool in hot weather. The loose-fill also enhances the fire-rating and the acoustic properties of a building.
Vermiculite is used extensively in the friction lining industry as a safe alternative to asbestos, and plays an important role in this field. Finer grades of ex-foliated Vermiculite are used in friction linings primarily for the automotive market.
Good thermal insulation, low density and ease of application make Vermiculite a highly suitable material for use in steelworks and foundries. It is used for hot topping molten steel to reduce heat loss from ingots and ladles and generally as a loose-fill insulator. Vermiculite concentrate when poured onto molten ‘hot metal’ exfoliates immediately and forms an insulating layer allowing the material to be transported to the next production process with a minimal loss of heat.
Exfoliated Vermiculite is a useful packaging medium. It is lightweight, clean and easily poured around irregular shaped objects. Being highly absorbent, it safely retains leaks from packed materials such as hazardous chemicals. As it is inorganic it does not present any potential fire hazards. It can be 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.
Exfoliated Vermiculite can be used with Portland cement and other aggregates, placing aids and water to produce roof and floor concrete screeds or concretes which have the benefit of being both lightweight and insulating lightweight concretes are lightweight, have good insulating properties and are intrinsically fire resistant.
