Power from Nature: Perlite

Perlite, an acidic, silica-based volcanic rock, is used as a term for both raw perlite and expanded perlite. By preheating the raw perlite to 400°C, most of the 2-6% water in the perlite evaporates. The remaining 1-1.5% evaporates completely during the expansion action and expansion is achieved. When expanded suddenly heated at 750-1200°C, it expands and turns into a foam aggregate consisting of glassy grains.

Perlite raw material with a size of 0.0-2.5 mm is subjected to various heat treatments and its volume is increased 4-20 times. While the color of raw perlite varies from transparent light gray to shiny black, when expanded, expanded perlite is formed in colors ranging from gray to white. These products, which have a microporous structure, are very valuable materials for insulation.

Perlite products, which provide energy saving in thermal insulation, also act as a fire barrier and are life-saving materials as they prevent the passage of fire to the floors in case of fire with their resistance to heat.With its breathable structure (perlite products that do not retain mold or moisture), it creates healthy spaces that care about human health. It serves the environment and human health while reducing carbon footprint and dependency on petroleum-derived insulation products.

Properties of Expanded Perlite

Physical Properties

Color	Gray-White
Melting Point	1300°C
Thermal Conductivity (0-1.2 mm)	0,04 W/m° K (At 50% Relative Humidity)
Loose Bulk Density	42 – 150 kg/m3

Chemical Properties

SiO2: %71 -75	Fe2O3: %0,5 – 1,45
Al2O3: %12-16	MgO: %0,03 – 0,5
Na2O: %2,9-4	TiO2: %0,03 – 0,2
K2O: %4-5	pH: %6,5 – 7,5
CaO: %0,2 -0,5

Perlite in the Agricultural Sector

İnper Perlit produces perlite for soil and soilless agriculture. The products can be used as a soil regulator in greenhouses, as an additive in seedling mortars, and also successfully as a growing medium in soilless agriculture. It increases the seedling retention rate. It does not create salinity and alkaline problems, and regulates the pH of the environment with its neutrality (pH 6.5-7.5). While it provides significant water savings and reduces evaporation in soil-based agriculture, there is no need for soil processing, washing, disinfection and fertilization in soilless agriculture.

Perlite in the Construction Industry

İnper Perlit produces perlite-based insulation products (blocks, panels, insulation plaster, block mesh adhesive, building blanket etc.) for the construction sector, whose R&D studies have been successfully completed. These products are distinguished from their counterparts by being economical and easy to apply. It has been measured that it provides 40% savings in fuel consumption after application. It provides permanent thermal insulation and comfort conditions in every climate zone. It does not show any change in summer and winter insulation performance. It does not contain radioactivity and carcinogenic substances. It does not impose a heavy load on the construction due to its lightness.

Perlite in the Industrial Sector

İnper Perlit is widely used in the industrial sector due to its superior properties. It is used in cryogenic tank and tanker production (-180 degrees) for insulation and strength increase, in pharmaceutical and chemical industry for filtration (antibiotic, pectin, citric acid, uranium syrup etc.); in paper industry, chemical oil industry, waste and water cleaning processes, for the speed and efficiency it provides. At the same time, raw perlite and expanded perlite are used in +1000 degrees casting and metallurgy industry.

Perlite in the Food Industry

İnper Perlit is widely used in the food sector for filtration purposes. Since it is a non-carcinogenic, sterile and natural substance, it is unique for healthy food production. It eliminates the problems that can be encountered in the filtration of mixtures in cold or hot environments, in obtaining clear and fast filtrate. It is mostly used in the production of beverages such as vegetable cooking oil, fruit juice, sugar syrup, corn syrup, beer, wine, etc. İnper Perlit filters particles as small as 0.1 microns. It does not impair the properties of the filtrate, does not give taste and odor. It extends the service life of filters. Pb and As amounts are very low. It is successfully used in pressurized centrifuge and vacuum filtration.

Perlite in Cat Litter

İnper Perlit creates a real premium cat litter by utilizing the power of perlite in the cat litter category. Completely perlite-made and 100% natural, clumps in seconds, provides 300% absorption power, traps bad odors for a long time due to its spherical granule structure, does not stick to paws, does not harm paws and does not spread around, İnper Perlit reveals the power of perlite for a real premium cat litter experience, offers these superior features to cats and cat owners under the Royal Maine Coon brand. In addition, perlite litters can be offered with multiple scent options such as orange, lavender, baby powder, Marseille soap scent along with the unscented option.