What is perlite? And what makes it so special?

General

Autor Allan

Have you ever wondered what makes popcorn pop into a light, fluffy snack? A similar transformation happens with perlite, a remarkable volcanic mineral. If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile solution for your projects, perlite might be just what you need.

What is Perlite?

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that expands up to 20 times its original volume when heated to high temperatures. This transformation occurs because perlite contains trapped water, which turns into steam and causes the glass to pop, much like a popcorn kernel. The result is a lightweight, porous material with a multitude of uses.

Applications of Perlite

Perlite’s unique properties make it a valuable asset across various industries:

Horticulture: For gardeners and horticulturalists, perlite improves soil aeration and drainage, making it an essential component of soil mixes and hydroponic systems.

Construction: Builders and architects use perlite as an aggregate in lightweight concrete and plaster, offering thermal insulation and reducing the weight of structures.

Filtration: In industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, perlite serves as an effective filtration medium due to its porous structure.

Industrial Insulation: Perlite’s thermal insulating properties make it ideal for cryogenic and high-temperature applications, helping to maintain consistent temperatures in industrial settings.

Fireproofing: Perlite’s ability to withstand high temperatures makes it an integral part of fireproofing systems and products.

Soundproofing: Perlite can also be used for its soundproofing qualities, reducing noise transmission in residential and commercial buildings.

These are just a few ways perlite is used, but its potential is vast and ever-expanding.

Want to know more?

Are you interested in exploring how perlite can benefit your projects? At Nordisk Perlite, we provide high-quality perlite products tailored to a variety of applications. Contact us today to learn more about how perlite can work for you and explore our product range. Let’s collaborate to find the perfect solution for your needs.

0560 SC

Remove oil spills easily from wet surfaces like watery roads or from lakes or seas. This natural inorganic sorbent will adsorb the oil and leave the water behind, which makes oil removal so much easier and lighter.

typically used As:

Oil removal from traffic incidents
Oil removal on watery surfaces

Physical Properties

particle sizes:

0,5 - 6mm

density:

85kg/m3 +/- 10kg

Hydrophobic:

will not adsorb water

Oleophilic:

attracts oil

USP

Easy removal of oil spills
Easy handling and post-processing of spill
No hazards to human or animal health from perlite
Light weight compared to soil and sand
High absorbtive capacity

Chemical composition

Metal oxide	average percentage
SiO2	74-77%
Al2O3	12-13%
TiO2	0,10%
Fe2O3	0,50-1,0%
CaO and MgO	0,8-1,5%
Na2O	3-4%
K2O	4-5%
Sum of other oxides	Max. 0,5%

0560

Elevate your plant care game with our horticulture perlite. Say goodbye to the frustration of soil compaction and water imbalances, and hello to stronger, faster growing plants. Perlite is scientifically proven to provide the perfect balance of soil nutrition and drainage, giving you peace of mind and the satisfaction of watching your plants thrive. Nurture your plants to their full potential, with our horticulture perlite.

typically used in:

Plant nurseries and home gardeners as an addition to substrates
Green rooftops as a medium in the soil mix
Golf-courses for improvement of the green

Physical Properties

particle sizes:

0,5 - 6mm

density:

85kg/m³ ± 10kg

Water holding
capacity by volume:

Up to 60%

Water holding
capacity by weight:

Up to 6 times

USP

Prevents soil from compacting
Improves drainage and aeration for roots
Regulates water for plants
Does not degrade down over time
Ideal for weight-sensitive applications
Ideal nutrient transporter
Sterile and inert
pH neutral

Chemical composition

Metal oxide	average percentage
SiO2	74-77%
Al2O3	12-13%
TiO2	0,10%
Fe2O3	0,50-1,0%
CaO and MgO	0,8-1,5%
Na2O	3-4%
K2O	4-5%
Sum of other oxides	Max. 0,5%

0515SC

Insulate with confidence using perlite. With Norlite 0515 SC, you can minimize the risk of thermal bridges and save time while still providing a great job for your customer. The fine grain sizes of Norlite 0515 SC make it possible to insulate effectively even in the least accessible places. You’ll get great results with perlite every time.

typically used IN:

* Light-weight concrete
* Wall cavity insulation
* Floor insulation

Physical Properties

Color:

Off-white

Bearing Capacity:

UP TO 800 kg/m²

grain size:

FROM 0,5 TO 1,5mm

pH:

6,5 – 7,5

pH:

6,5 – 7,5

Thermal conductivit:

0,0042 W/mK

thermal conduCTIVITY:

0,0042 W/mK

loose weight density:

90kg/m³ ± 10kg

max temperature:

1100°C

CO² PER m³:

16kg of CO² per m³
(as per EPD update 2022)

USP

Lightweight – high insulative capacity
Low carbon footprint – request our EPD or find it on EPD Norway
Long lifespan – cradle to cradle recyclability
Fire resistant
Water proof – Low capilary height
Saves time in installation compared to other insulation materials

Chemical composition

Metal oxide	average percentage
SiO2	74-77%
Al2O3	12-13%
TiO2	0,10%
Fe2O3	0,50-1,0%
CaO and MgO	0,8-1,5%
Na2O	3-4%
K2O	4-5%
Sum of other oxides	Max. 0,5%

N-Pim

Be Prepared for spills with Our Highly Adsorbent Perlite! Cleanup is a breeze with our natural mineral carrier, making post-processing of spills simple and hassle-free. With our mineral, you’ll clear up any potential messes in no time!