what is perlite – Insulation World Kenya Limited

Insulation World Kenya Limited is the leading distributor and supplier of Perlite for Agricultural, Horticultural and Insulation applications in Nairobi Kenya and in Eastern Africa. Call us today through +254 722 401 175 to place your order today.

What is Perlite?

Perlite is one of nature’s most versatile and efficient minerals. Its unique characteristics of being lightweight, sterile, insulating, and fireproof make it an important element in construction, agriculture and industrial applications. It is formed by molten (magmatic) rock, also known as volcanic glass. Over time, and during formation and cooling, water is absorbed into the raw perlite ore matrix, giving perlite its unique ability to expand when heated.

When perlite ore is heated rapidly in industrial furnaces, the volcanic glass softens, causing the entrapped water molecules to turn to steam and expand the perlite particles—much like popcorn. This can increase in volume up to 20 times its original size. The expansion process renders the perlite partially transparent, and the resulting complex refraction changes the color from a light gray to bright white. These expanded perlite particles are lightweight and insulated glass bubbles that can hold water and air.

Characteristics of Perlite

• Lightweight
• Free of organic contaminants
• Insulating
• Fireproof
• Pest-proof