We, Olinc Products & Equipments Ltd are the leading suppliers of perlite and vermiculite in Kenya for use in industrial insulation applications and also in gardening. It has good insultion properties as well perfect in aeration of soils.
Perlite is a volcanic glass that is formed when obsidian, a type of volcanic rock, comes into contact with water. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that expands significantly when heated. The expansion is a result of the water content within the perlite vaporizing and causing the material to pop, similar to popcorn. This expanded perlite is a lightweight, white or light gray, porous material with unique properties that make it useful in various applications in Kenya.
Features of Perlite in Kenya
Composition: Perlite is a volcanic glass that is rich in water. It is formed when obsidian, a type of volcanic glass, comes into contact with water.
Appearance: Perlite is a lightweight and porous material. It has a white or light gray color.
Structure: It has a unique internal structure with tiny, closed air cells that give it its lightweight and insulating properties.
Water Content: Perlite contains 2-6% water, and when heated, the water vaporizes, causing the perlite to expand and become a lightweight, white material.
Advantages of using Perlite in Kenya
Lightweight: Perlite is very lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport.
Insulating Properties: Due to its closed cell structure, perlite has excellent insulating properties.
Inorganic: Perlite is inorganic, so it does not rot, deteriorate, or decompose.
Neutral pH: It has a neutral pH, making it suitable for various applications, including gardening.
Aeration: Perlite improves soil aeration and drainage when used in gardening.
How to identify Perlite in Kenya
Color and Texture: Perlite is typically white or light gray and has a granular texture. Its lightweight and porous structure can be visually observed.
Expansion: Perlite can be identified by its ability to expand when heated. When heated, it pops like popcorn, increasing its volume significantly.
Floatation Test: Perlite is lightweight and can float in water. If you place perlite in water, it will float due to its low density.
Chemical Analysis: Laboratory testing can be done to analyze the chemical composition of a sample, confirming the presence of silica and other characteristic elements.
Where Perlite is found
Perlite is primarily found in volcanic regions. Major deposits exist in countries like the United States, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Italy, and New Zealand.
Perlite lifespan
Perlite is a stable and inert material, meaning it does not break down or decompose over time. Its lifespan is essentially indefinite when used in applications like insulation or horticulture.
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