Perlite is a volcanic glass with acidic character. The name perlite is derived from the word perle, meaning pearl, because when some types of perlite are broken, small pearl-like spheres are obtained. Perlite is a rock that has the property of expanding with heat and becomes very light and porous when expanded. The word perlite is used for both raw perlite and the product obtained by expanding it. Various perlite rocks may differ from each other in terms of color and structure. The color of raw perlite can vary from transparent light gray to shiny black. When it expands, the color becomes completely white. The most important feature of perlite is the water it contains as a compound of 2.5% in the hydrated glassy silica structure, and this water ensures the stability of perlite. When perlite is heated suddenly between 750-1200 °C, it expands under the influence of the steam released from its structure and turns into a foam aggregate consisting of glassy grains. It can expand up to 20 times its initial volume. This product is called expanded perlite. Perlite is essentially volcanic glass with a special texture, containing a certain amount of water in its internal structure, and acid composition. It does not have a fibrous structure. It does not contain nitrate sulfate, phosphorus, heavy metals, radioactive elements and organic matter. Therefore, it is chemically quite pure. Perlite ore is generally produced by blasting using the open-pit mining method. Then, following the crushing-grinding-classification processes, the expansion process is carried out. It is economical for the tuvenan ore to be crushed first in a place close to the quarry and brought to the required grain size, and since the expanded perlite is light but large in volume, the expansion process is carried out by establishing facilities close to the market areas. Important points in the preparation of perlite are as follows:
Separating perlite into nodules or obtaining cube-shaped grains,
Crushing only to the required grain size without over-fining or damaging the shell texture,
Separating according to desired grain size
Perlite is generally a rock that can be broken easily and ground well. However, since the grain distribution depends on the crushing impacts, the selection of crusher and grinder requires special attention.
The most important feature that gives commercial value to expanded perlite is; Its low density in small volume, physical flexibility, chemical stability, low sound permeability and fire resistance.
Construction Sector:
Shaped insulation materials (roof and floor insulation)
Perlite Plasters
Lightweight insulation concrete with perlite aggregate (Cement or plaster binder)
Lightweight building elements with perlite aggregate, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, etc.
As loose filling material (as insulation material in attics, floor and wall cavities; in foam form after being subjected to a special treatment with silicone)
In surface flooring (as heat and sound insulator)
Perlite concretes for special purposes made with binders other than cement and gypsum
