Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that works well under pressure. In fact, it expands when heated, forming lightweight, incombustible, and compressible particles. During dispersion, these particles are separated into thin layers coveted for their heat and flame resistance. This makes vermiculite dispersions an excellent choice for high-temperature applications, including fire protection materials.

Beneficial Properties of Vermiculite Dispersions

In addition to their ability to withstand heat, vermiculite dispersions have a number of other beneficial properties:

• Non-hazardous
• Insulating
• Non-flammable
• Absorbent
• Resists abrasion and oxidation
• Torque retention
• Minimal smoke or fume production

Given these high heat-performance properties, vermiculite dispersions are used in a wide range of applications, such as:

• High-temperature coatings and binders
• Structural steel and other construction materials for fire-resistant walls, roofs, and floors
• Industrial foundries and glasswork
• Thermal insulation
• Ductwork and gaskets
• Fire-retardant textiles and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fluid sealing
• Portable fire extinguishers and pump systems

Vermiculite’s natural high-temperature stability and oxidation resistance makes it a more user-friendly choice since it doesn’t require additional chemical treatments or engineering for optimal results.

How Vermiculite Dispersions Work for Fire Protection

Vermiculite dispersions are used in a fluid medium, usually water. Misting aqueous vermiculite dispersion (AVD) on a lithium-ion battery fire creates an oxygen barrier to cool the surface and extinguish the flames. Here’s how:

1. AVD creates a film over the burning fuel, encapsulating the fire and cutting off oxygen.
2. The AVD water evaporates, cooling things down and controlling the fire.
3. Insulating vermiculite prevents heat transfer, further hindering the spread.

AVD provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly option for quick fire control and suppression. It’s become a key product for green construction, especially in areas prone to wildfires.

MicroLite Vermiculite Dispersions

MicroLite vermiculite dispersions have high-temperature resistance while being easy to apply directly to fabrics and other industrial materials. Specialty Vermiculite provides MicroLite to customers in a range of industries looking for an alternative to traditional fire-resistant products. Contact us to find out how our vermiculite dispersions can work for your company. Our sales and technical services team work closely together to ensure you get the best product for your application. We’ll also send you a free sample to get you started.