Chemical Properties
Perlite is a natural glass formed by volcanic action. It is a
sodium potassium aluminosilicate that has an amorphous
structure. It possesses an unusual physical characteristic of
expanding to about 20 times its original volume when heated
to temperatures within the softening range, somewhere
between 1400 and 2000 ℃. Expanded perlite is either a
fluffy, highly porous substance or a glassy-white particulate
with low porosity, depending on how the material is heated.
The bulk material has a density between 3 and 20 lb/ft3.
The crystalline silica content of 16 samples of perlite ore
collected from 19 deposits in 16 western states was quite low,
＜2% in 15 and 3% in one sample. The crystalline silica
content of typical expanded perlite ranged from 0 to
2%.
Uses
It is used in abrasives, acoustical plaster
and tile, charcoal barbecue base, cleaner base, concrete
aggregates, filter aids, fertilizer, metal foundries, insulation,
and refractory products. It is used as a filler in numerous
materials. Incorporation into construction materials accounts
for about 70% of the domestic use of perlite.
Uses
Filter aid, Harborlite 800 is used in multiple industrial applications such as chemical processing, mineral and lubrication oil production, biodiesel purification. It is also used for filtration performance in brewing, juices, wine, sugar syrups, edible vegetable and fish oils.
Safety Profile
Slightly toxic by ingestion. A nuisance dust.
