Overview
Expanded perlite is a processed form of volcanic glass (perlite ore), heated to expand its volume by up to 20 times. Its porous structure and low density make it ideal for fireproofing and flame retardation. The material is chemically inert and non-combustible, with a melting point exceeding 1,200°C. In construction, it is used as an additive in plasters, mortars, and insulation boards to enhance fire resistance. Industrial applications include high-temperature insulation for pipelines and furnaces. Its lightweight nature reduces structural load while providing superior thermal protection.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Expanded perlite exhibits exceptional thermal insulation due to its trapped air pockets, with a typical thermal conductivity of 0.035-0.045 W/m·K. It is non-combustible (ASTM E136) and can withstand temperatures up to 1,260°C without structural degradation. The material is chemically stable, resisting acids and alkalis, and does not react with most construction materials. Its low density (30-150 kg/m³) and high porosity (over 90%) contribute to its effectiveness in lightweight fireproofing systems. However, it is hygroscopic and requires moisture-resistant coatings in humid environments.
Main Applications
In construction, expanded perlite is mixed with gypsum or cement to create fire-resistant walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also used in fireproof doors and passive fire protection systems. For industrial settings, it serves as insulation for boilers, chimneys, and cryogenic storage. The material is a key component in intumescent coatings, which expand under heat to form a protective char layer. Additionally, it is used in fireproofing sprays for steel structures to meet safety regulations like ASTM E119. Its versatility extends to horticulture as a soil amendment for flame-retardant landscaping.
Safety and Storage
Expanded perlite is non-toxic and safe to handle, but dust generation during processing requires protective equipment such as masks and goggles. Prolonged inhalation of fine particles may cause respiratory irritation. Storage should prioritize dryness to prevent clumping. Bulk bags or sealed containers are recommended to maintain quality. Avoid stacking heavy items on perlite bags to preserve its porous structure. In case of spills, sweep or vacuum the material—avoid water cleanup to prevent absorption.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing expanded perlite, specify the expansion ratio (commonly 10:1 to 20:1) and particle size (0.1-6 mm) based on the application. Verify certifications like ASTM C549 for quality assurance. Bulk purchases (20+ tons) typically reduce costs by 10-15%. Partner with suppliers offering moisture-resistant packaging for long-distance shipping. For fireproofing projects, request test reports on thermal performance and compatibility with binders like cement or gypsum.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：油漆陶瓷原料、煅烧高岭土、水洗高岭土、添加用硅酸铝粉、滑石粉、膨润土、黄陶土、红陶土、轻质碳酸钙、重质碳酸钙、铝矾土、重晶石粉、石英砂、沸石粉、海泡石
- 主营：玻璃粉、火山石粉、云母粉、珍珠岩颗粒、云母片、电气石粉、陶瓷砂、石英粉、莫来石粉、硅酸铝粉、轻钙粉、透明粉、铝矾土、重钙粉、煅烧高岭土、蛭石、玻璃鳞片、煅烧贝壳粉、硅灰石粉、高硅滑石粉、低硅滑石粉、全加密硅灰、半加密硅灰
- 主营：轻质碳酸钙、重质碳酸钙、硅灰、珍珠岩、膨润土、高岭土、滑石粉、凹凸棒土、贝壳粉、硅藻土、氧化钙、氢氧化钙、氧化钙颗粒、木质纤维、沸石粉、沸石颗粒、橡胶粉、蛭石、机制木炭、石英砂、白云石、白云石粉
- 主营：贝壳粉、滑石粉、火山石、珍珠岩、云母粉、水洗石、石英砂、果木炭、金刚砂、硅灰粉、玻璃珠、陶瓷球、沙滩沙、绿沸石、玻璃砂、高岭土、白云石、膨润土、蛭石粉、硅藻土、碳酸钙、透明粉、地面铺路、保温砂浆、沸石颗粒、贝壳彩片
- 主营：滑石粉、金云母、蛭石片、珍珠岩、鹅卵石、石英砂、杨木粉、胶粘石、膨润土、蛭石粉、高铝粉、水洗沙、萤石粉、木粉60目、30目漂珠、硅藻土、电气石、孵化蛭石、生物质颗粒、贝壳彩片、氧化铁颜料、生铁粉、高岭土、白云母、沸石、漂珠
- 主营：膨胀蛭石、橡胶颗粒、玉米芯、珍珠岩颗粒、珍珠岩粉、橡胶粉、膨润土、沸石粉、石英砂、染色彩砂、金玉明砂、轻质碳酸钙、4A沸石粉、玻璃砂、彩色玻璃块、硅藻土、铁氧体粉、滑石粉、高岭土、红黏土、黄土、磁铁粉、活性白土、彩色陶粒
- 主营：玻璃鳞片、高岭土、玻璃粉、珍珠岩、膨润土、滑石粉、铝矾土、硅灰、萤石粉、沉淀硫酸钡、重钙、轻钙、硅藻土、玻璃微珠、重晶石粉、S95矿粉、透明粉、煅烧高岭土、玻璃砂、云母粉、木炭、硅酸铝粉、长石粉、火山石、贝壳粉
- 主营：石英砂、石英粉、碳酸钙、白云石、白云石粉、珍珠岩、重钙粉、轻钙粉、白沙、白石子、高岭土、煅烧高岭土、膨润土、氢氧化钙、染色石子、染色彩砂、麦饭石粉、凹凸棒土粉、蛭石粉、滑石粉、氧化钙、硅藻土、白陶土、火山石、金刚砂、铁钢砂、鹅卵石、沸石粉、重晶石粉、长石、铝矾土
- 主营：保温板、膨润土、珠光砂、珍珠岩、防火板、降阻剂、沸石粉、隔音砂浆、保温砂浆、水泥膨胀、磨料电话、抛光磨料、抹灰石膏、迪庆磨料、玻化微珠、砂带磨料、保温岩泥、保温管材、磨料定制、砂轮磨料、保温腻子、吸音板定制、润珠玻化微、轻质标准砖、果洛乳化沥青
- 主营：珍珠岩、珍珠岩保温板、园艺珍珠岩、玻化微珠、闭孔玻化微珠、珠光砂
- 主营：滑石粉、白陶土、碳酸钙、珍珠岩、金刚砂、石英砂、白云石砂、耐火材料、地坪材料、彩色地坪料、高尔夫球场、耐磨地坪硬化剂
- 主营：重晶石粉、沉淀硫酸钡、萤石粉、耐火珍珠岩粉、氧化钙、碳酸钙
- 主营：氧化铁颜料、空心玻璃微珠、玻璃砂、珍珠岩厂家、儿童娱乐沙、油田压裂支撑剂、玻璃轻石、高岭土、白云石、凹凸棒土、火山石、喜马拉雅盐、金刚砂、金属砂、矿物纤维、硅酸铝纤维、石英砂、矿渣粉、莫来砂、生物质燃烧颗粒、膨润土、重晶石、彩石子、水晶石系列、远红外系列
- 主营：铁砂、铁粉、重钙、珍珠岩粉、轻钙、氧化钙、白水泥、滑石粉、膨润土、红土黄土、硅灰、硅藻土、活性白土、萤石粉、石英粉、重晶石粉、高岭土、沸石粉、莫来砂、膨润土猫砂、赤铁粉、粉煤灰、锰砂、石英砂
- 主营：蛭石、硅藻土、椰糠、珍珠岩、稻壳碳、金刚砂、玻璃粉、麦饭石、火山石、重晶石、高岭土、白炭黑、玻璃砂、贝壳粉、氧化铁、重钙、沸石