Perlite insulation. Perlite insulation - technical characteristics. Vermiculite backfill insulation

The raw material for the production of perlite is volcanic rock, which, when heated, can increase in volume (swell). As a result of heat treatment of perlite aluminosilicate water-containing rock of volcanic origin, a non-toxic, non-flammable, lightweight and highly effective insulation material is obtained - expanded perlite.

Application area

Due to its high physical and technical properties, this material has found wide application in various industries:

metallurgy,
energy,
construction,
agriculture,
medicine,
food industry,
oil refining,
production of cryogenic equipment.

Perlite as an insulation material can withstand temperatures varying in the range from -200°C to +900°C. The material has a high moisture-absorbing ability - it can absorb liquid up to 400% of its weight. Perlite is chemically neutral to the action of weak acids and alkalis and does not contain heavy metals. Ecological cleanliness insulation, allows its use in insulating residential buildings without risk to human health. This material not only is it completely safe for humans, it does not cause allergies and helps create favorable microclimate. In addition, this material is quite simple and easy to work with.

Low bulk density material (100 kg/m 3) explains the high acoustic properties of the insulation produced from it. Plaster mixtures containing expanded perlite sand also play the role of insulation.

A plaster layer 3 cm thick in its thermal insulation characteristics is equivalent to a 15 cm layer brickwork. The high heat and sound insulation qualities of insulation are well manifested in the installation of “floating” plank and concrete floors, asphalt floors, for leveling and increasing the sound insulation characteristics of floors between floors, between walls and floors, and in insulating pipeline systems.

The neutral pH of perlite eliminates the formation of corrosion of pipelines and wiring electrical networks located in the floor area. Perlite is especially popular as insulation when implementing “warm” floor systems, since it is not prone to expansion when heated, does not shrink, and is absolutely non-flammable. In addition, it does not die and does not cause interest among insects and rodents. To improve sound and heat insulation properties concrete mortar Perlite is also added to it. wide area the use of this material perfectly confirms its high physical and technical properties.

Options for using expanded perlite as insulation

Perlite sand (backfill insulation)
Thermal insulation boards
Roof thermal insulation
Dry building mixtures

Backfill perlite insulation

One of effective solutions To lighten the structure of the house, along with increasing its thermal conductivity characteristics, is the use of backfill insulation based on perlite sand. This step allows you to reduce heat loss by almost 50%. Backfill can be used in layers between external and internal wall plaster, interior decoration and wall cladding, in all voids of the wall masonry.

Thermal insulation boards

The largest amount of perlite in world practice is used in the manufacture of molded thermal insulation products (more than 60%). The binder is bitumen, cement, gypsum, liquid glass, clay, lime, polymers. Considering the high hygroscopicity of perlite, materials based on it are best used for internal insulation, however, there are techniques that allow the use of thermal insulation materials based on foamed perlite in external insulation.

Thermal insulation boards are widely used for insulation of residential and outbuildings. The thermal conductivity of the material reaches 0.118 W/(m-°C).

The main advantages of using perlite slabs are their low weight and high sound and heat insulation characteristics. In addition, structures insulated with this material are reliably protected from rotting, are not damaged by rodents, and are not affected by mold and fungi.

Dry mixes

Perlite sand, mixed dry with cement or gypsum, is dissolved with water directly on the construction site. The resulting composition is used to fill cavities in bricks, concrete, walls, and to grout cracks and seams. Expanded perlite is used in the preparation of adhesive and putty mixtures, self-leveling floors, solutions for repair work, in the installation of “warm” floors, etc. The thermal conductivity of mixtures averages 0.2 W/(m-°C). Based on the type of binder, perlite compositions are classified into cement-perlite, gypsum-perlite, and lime-perlite.

Roof thermal insulation

Bitumen-perlite is especially popular in thermal insulation of roofs and ceilings. With its participation, high-strength insulating layers of the required shape are created. In addition, the material can be combined with bituminized cover layers and insulating boards. Bitumen-perlite does not need to be heated before application. The thermal conductivity of bitumen perlite is 0.067 W/(m-°C). Using perlite as insulation, you choose a safe, economical, durable, non-flammable material with high physical and technical characteristics.

In many countries around the world, perlite backfills are used to create warm sloping roofs. In addition, such an effective heat insulator as perlite concrete is used in roof insulation. It is highly wind- and fire-resistant, and when combined with perlite-magnesia thermal insulation boards, it acquires high thermal resistance.

Perlite as insulation: types and applications

Perlite insulation

There are many applications for expanded perlite in construction. It is most successfully used for thermal insulation of floors, walls, ceilings between floors and for the construction of attics and attics.

One of the properties of perlite is the ability to “flow around” irregularities and protrusions. This allows you to quickly and easily determine the floor level. In addition, perlite is an inorganic material with a neutral pH, so pipelines and electrical communications located under the floor will not corrode.

Heat must not only be created, but also accumulated and stored. Thus, installing a heated floor will allow you to save from 10% to 50% of thermal energy. It has been experimentally verified that in rooms up to 3 meters high, thermal energy savings are 15-30%, and in rooms above 3 meters – up to 50%. IN in this case The warm floor serves as a kind of “shield” so that the heat does not “escap” to the lower floors or basements, and the cold does not penetrate the house. As you know, porous materials have the highest thermal insulation properties, because they are made up of a large number of closed, air-filled pores. Air in a still state has a very low thermal conductivity of 0.02 W/(m*K) at 20°C. Accordingly, its porosity makes it low thermal conductivity, which means it is optimal for filling into a warm floor. Unlike other insulation materials, perlite is natural material, and therefore environmentally friendly.

To make a perlite concrete floor, you should use the ready-made Porit mixture for screed.

IN Lately Many people install a “floating floor” to insulate the room. A feature of this floor (see Fig. 1) is the absence of a rigid connection between the screed (4) and the floor slab (5). This type of floor compensates for the thermal deformation of the concrete floor due to its heating and cooling, and also solves the problem of sound insulation.

One of the methods for installing a floating floor is based on the use of perlite. In this case, a layer of expanded perlite (2) is poured onto the floor slab (5). After this, vibration-isolating tape (6) is laid around the perimeter of the room in which the floor is installed. The level of this tape must coincide with the level of the concrete floor (4) that is being poured. This tape will prevent the transmission of vibrations from concrete screed into the wall (1). After this, a waterproofing film (3) is laid on the perlite, which prevents the perlite layer from getting wet when installing a concrete screed.

Perlite is extremely effective in insulating buildings. To do this, at the construction stage it must be filled into the cavities between the walls (Fig. 2). In this case, perlite insulation is poured directly from the bag (or through a hopper) into the wall from above at any convenient interval (no more than 6 m). By the time the window sill is installed, the cavities under the door and window openings should already be filled. If necessary, you can pour perlite, wait until it “settles down” and add more. All openings that may be in the wall and through which perlite insulation can spill out must be closed by the time the insulation is poured.

Perlite filling of the cavity between the load-bearing and facing masonry is poured in layers after laying 3-4 rows of bricks. Waterproofing gaskets are placed at working breaks in the insulation. If necessary insulating layer can be made to any required thickness. Since construction is a long-term process, when working with perlite insulation, the cavities between the walls should be protected from rain.

Having high heat-protective properties, expanded perlite does not age and is not destroyed by pests of animal and plant origin. It is worth noting that perlite backfills are used to insulate walls made of wooden and frame structures. Such insulating gaskets do not burn, and therefore increase the fire safety of houses.

Perlite roof insulation

In world practice, perlite backfills are often used in the construction of warm sloping roofs.

1. Perlite roof backfill. First, diffusely permeable bottom covering slabs (e.g. plasterboards). Perlite is poured into the cavity between the “cladding” and the “sheathing” and compacted by 10%.

During the installation of the lower roofing layer from the “lining”, a waterproof seal made of glassine or film is laid over it. The connection points with the gutter, as well as the points of passage through the roof, are hermetically sealed with thick adhesive tape.

Advantages of perlite thermal insulation: 1) perlite backfill insulation does not lose its properties over time; 2) provides sound insulation; 3) does not rot; 4) does not burn; 5) rodents and ants do not grow in it.

2. Perlite concrete insulation of flat roof. For perlite concrete insulation of a flat roof, it is recommended to use the ready-made Porit mixture for a light screed. If necessary, the roof can be reinforced with reinforcing mesh. The minimum recommended roof slope for normal water drainage is 1/8.

Properties of thermal insulating perlite concrete:

– dry density 350-500 kg/m3;

– minimum compressive strength limit 1.5-3.0 kgf/cm 2

Expanded perlite is used for insulation of floors, walls, roofs, floors between floors, attics and attics.

Expanded perlite sand is used for thermal insulation and sound insulation. It will help you quickly and inexpensively insulate your home.

Technology of insulating walls with penofol and perlite from the inside

Almost any construction of private houses requires insulation measures.

In some cases, apartment premises also require installation of insulation.

To provide heat in the house there is a large number of various materials, one of them is penofol.

It is worth familiarizing yourself with the features and installation process of this material in more detail.

Advantages and disadvantages of penofol

This material is a polyethylene that foams during production and is covered with an aluminum coating, which reaches a thickness of 14 microns and has a purity of 99.4%. The material can be coated with aluminum on different sides or on both sides at the same time.

Its class and properties of heat and vapor barrier depend on this.

First of all, you should familiarize yourself with its positive characteristics, which play a significant role when choosing a material for insulation:

High degree of environmental friendliness. The components from which this insulation is produced are non-toxic, since their use is permitted for storing food products.
Minimum thickness value. Similar materials for insulation they usually exceed a thickness of 4 mm. If we compare penofol and mineral wool, then 8.5 cm of the second material can provide the same insulation properties.
No need to use vapor barrier materials, because penofol is characterized by a low level of vapor permeability.
High noise insulation properties, which allows for acoustic and structural sound insulation without additional costs.
The installation process is quite simple, there is no need for special clothing or the use of specialized equipment.
The insulation is not subject to fire.
Easy transportation, the insulation can be rolled up and packed into a passenger car.
Rodents do not damage such material.
Each batch produced undergoes mandatory certification at the sanitary and epidemiological station.

In addition to the positive aspects, it is also worth noting other nuances, which in some cases are disadvantages when using penofol:

Due to the softness of the insulation, it cannot be used For internal insulation in the case of wall finishing with plaster or wallpaper.
Difficulty attaching all classes of material, except C, which is equipped with a self-adhesive coating. It is better to make the connection using adhesive compounds; it is believed that nailing penofol worsens its properties as insulation.
Penofol is significantly inferior in its characteristics to other types of insulation.

Basically this insulation used for finishing the walls of a house or apartment from the inside. If there is a need to insulate the house from the outside, then it is better to choose another type of heat-insulating composition, and use penofol as an additional layer, thereby enhancing the properties of reflecting thermal energy.

Where is the best place to insulate?

This material is suitable for providing insulation walls both from the inside and outside.

Before deciding on which side it is better to use such material, it is better to weigh the pros and cons.

It is generally believed that using insulation on the inside of walls is not recommended due to a reduction in living space, the risk of the formation of fungal microorganisms and mold, the accumulation of large amounts of moisture, etc.

In the case of penofol, there is no reduction in area, but certain classes of material allow moisture to pass through only in one direction - this should be taken into account during installation.

wall pie

For better understanding To further the installation process, it is worth getting acquainted with the structure of the wall pie, which consists of various layers of material. The sequence of layers is indicated in the direction from the inside of the wall to the outside:

interior finishing materials;
panel osv;
penofol;
frame racks;
windproof material;
sheathing;
exterior finishing.

Wall pie is indicated for the frame type of house. For other types of structures, some materials can be excluded or added as necessary.

It is worth paying attention to the need to provide a vapor barrier layer in the wall of the cake. Opinions on this matter differ, but in most cases, vapor barrier is not used for insulation from inside the room.

Wall pie device

If penofol is used for insulation outside, then vapor barrier layer necessary, because the material tends to allow vapor to pass in only one direction (except type C).

Penofol wall insulation technology

Installation this insulation has differences regarding the selected variety, namely in the method of its attachment.

If type A is used, then the fastening is made to a more massive insulation; in the case of type B, the fastening is autonomous, and type C has its own adhesive base.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

Before the insulation is attached to the wall, the frame is constructed, in which there will be a space of 20 mm on both sides of this material, this will ensure the maximum effect from the use of penofol. For this process, it is better to use slats measuring 1.5-2 cm, which are attached with dowels, while maintaining a distance of 1 m.
The next step is to check the condition of the electrical wiring.. It should be taken into account that the insulation contains aluminum, which easily conducts current, and it is very important to ensure that all wires are fully insulated.
After these measures, the insulation itself is attached directly. This is done using a furniture stapler. The strips are cut with a knife or scissors, the joints are aligned close to each other, after which they are glued with aluminum tape.
Next, the construction and installation of a wooden frame is carried out, onto which any type of panels is attached to further provide interior decoration.

Perlite, advantages and disadvantages

Another type of wall insulation is perlite, or rather materials based on it.

It can be like blocks bulk materials, and looks like ordinary plaster. Perlite is a volcanic glass that contains molecular water in a bound state.

During the production process, such a composition is exposed to a temperature of 800 degrees, due to which it achieves high level porosity.

The advantages of perlite include:

light weight;
low level of thermal conductivity;
soundproofing;
good absorbent properties;
hygroscopicity.

It is also worth paying attention to some of the disadvantages of using this insulation, although there are few of them:

When working with perlite there is a possibility of causing harm to the body, because fine aluminosilicate dust is released when cutting blocks or mixing a solution;
if the humidity level in the material rises to 10%, this promises a loss of its properties by 90%. The material requires that the wall pie be equipped with a layer of waterproofing;
Finding such insulation on sale is very problematic;
On the market there are often counterfeits of this type of insulation, which are difficult to distinguish from the original.

The use of perlite sand in structures with high vibration is prohibited.

Wall insulation with perlite

Mostly houses built of brick or blocks are insulated with perlite. The need to carry out perlite insulation is considered even at the stage of foundation construction, which determines the amount required material insulation and its type.

For strip foundations with basement use perlite plaster solution. The process of insulation with perlite sand occurs as follows:

Insulation begins at the stage of building the walls of the house.
They mainly use perlite sand, weighing 60-100 kg per m3.
Lay the walls, and after laying 3-4 layers of bricks, pour insulation material into the inter-wall space.
To prevent shrinkage sand material, it is compacted by tapping.

When insulating walls with perlite plaster, it is possible to surface finishing any finishing material.

Inter-wall insulation with perlite

Conclusion

Comfortable living in the house depends on the choice and installation of insulation. It is very important to choose the right one suitable material depending on the individual characteristics building. For houses made of wood, good option will be penofol, and for stone houses - perlite. The thermal conductivity of the latter is 5 times higher than that of brick; for example, 3 cm of perlite is enough to equal the thermal conductivity of 15 cm of brick.

Wall insulation with penofol from the inside and perlite insulation technology from the outside

In this article you will learn how to insulate walls with penofol and perlite from the inside and outside of a building.

IN modern world There are more and more opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Technological capabilities made it possible to get acquainted with the latest material called perlite. This is a unique product that in a short time has taken a high place in the construction market.

The technology for producing perlite is quite complex. It is made from glass-like hard rock of volcanic origin. The raw material has the ability to increase significantly when heated to a certain extent. This swelling process during heat treatment, together with the addition of other materials, makes it possible to obtain heat and sound insulating raw materials with excellent characteristics.

Perlite

Scope of application

Due to the presence of high physical and technological properties, perlite insulation is widely used in various industries:

energy;
medical;
metallurgical;
food;
oil refining;
construction;
agricultural;

The distribution of this material into fractions indicates the place of direct use of each subspecies.

Here are examples of the more common ones:

filter perlite has a size from 0 to 0.16 mm;
construction perlite varies from 0.16 to 1.25 mm;
agroperlite has a fraction of 1.25-5mm.

Main advantages

Perlite, like other materials, has its pros and cons. But despite the shortcomings, it is an integral part of any construction.

The following advantages of perlite as insulation can be highlighted:

Lightness that allows you to place it inside any frame structure without increasing its strength.
Resistance to fairly sudden temperature changes allows it to be used for external use under various weather conditions. Can withstand -220 to +900℃.
Environmental Safety, lack of toxicity in any operating conditions.
It is not an allergen for the animal world or people.
Resistant to most acid and alkaline compounds.
Not subject to corrosive processes.
Thanks to the density formed between the particles of the material during laying of the layers, a high level of sound insulation of the entire structure is achieved. Therefore, there is no need to use an additional layer of insulation of a different origin.
Absolutely not subject to deformation from exposure to high temperatures at household levels. Ideal for installing indoor floor heating systems.
Average price range in comparison with materials used for similar work.
It is highly efficient, rational and ergonomic in its use.

It would be appropriate to note the inappropriateness of using perlite in rooms with constant high humidity by more than 10% or in a consistently humid climate. It is not resistant to these influences.

When working with this material, you need to be aware that during active actions aluminosilicate dust is released with it. Very small particles of it can harm the human body if they get on the mucous membrane. Therefore, during the process of mechanical sawing of blocks and mixing the solution, it is necessary to use precautions and protect exposed areas of the body.

Perlite insulation

Types of material

Only four types of this thermal insulation material are produced. All of them differ from each other not only in the installation method and technical characteristics.

Main types of perlite:

The backfill form or sand is lighter than other subtypes. Therefore, it is used for thermal insulation of partitions and at the same time to facilitate the finished structure of any building. Another essence of its use is to eliminate gap-like, interfloor layers, and fill other voids. It is used for adjusting floors, sometimes as plastering surfaces.
Plates. This type is most common in production, as it is the most popular of perlites. Great demand is due to the convenience of the form for the quick construction of any size structure or area. With high hygroscopicity, it is therefore more appropriate to use for interior works. If used outside buildings, it is imperative to add a layer of moisture-proof material. Manufactured using hydraulic pressing. Depending on the needs, various binding materials are used: polymers, liquid glass, lime, cement, bitumen and others combined with it.
A roofing variety, which is more often called bitumen perlite after the name of the binder used in production. This material makes it possible to easily install insulating structures of a wide variety of shapes due to its increased flexibility. Any roof or other non-standard structure will have a decent level of thermal conductivity. This makes it possible to use these roofing forms in construction at low negative thermometer readings. Being non-flammable, it will provide the structure with adequate fire protection.
Dry mixtures for construction purposes made using perlite small fraction and cement mixtures. To such a blank mass you only need to add required quantity water to obtain a ready-to-use mortar. Effectively used for grouting various kinds seams, cavities formed during laying, cracks and similar voids. Using a dry mixture you can get a special plaster. It is applied in a layer to any surface, easily leveling it and paralleling it, increasing the thermal insulation coefficient for the entire structure.

For construction needs, the production of three main grades of perlite has been established:

M100;
M150.

The above numbers in the marking determine the density coefficient of the material. This indicator is extremely important for the type of future installation work, operating conditions of raw materials.

But any of these density characteristics allows perlite in the solution state to be so fluid as to be able to fill the smallest voids in the structure. This is one of the main advantages of this material over analogues that are applicable in similar construction processes.

Wall insulation with perlite

Perlite is suitable for insulating a house whose walls are made of blocks or bricks.

A mortar in the form of plaster with perlite is used for cladding a strip-type foundation with a semi-basement or basement.

The process of insulating walls with backfill perlite is carried out with the following features:

Preparatory and primary work begins at the moment of erection of the walls of the building.
The sand fraction of perlite is more used for this type of work. Its application volume is calculated in the range from 60 to 100 kg per cubic meter. m.
The material is poured into the space between the walls at intervals after laying each part of the wall.
To avoid subsequent shrinkage of the insulating material, it is compacted using the tapping method.

Insulation of walls with bulk perlite

Technological characteristics perlite plaster, after its application and drying, allow the possibility of finishing works on top of it with a variety of materials. Which is undoubtedly very convenient and gives additional features in choice for the developer.

The unique insulating properties of perlite, wear resistance and ease of use allow it long time after installation, perform its functions.

Perlite is granules of volcanic lava resulting from rapid cooling upon contact with soil and water. Thermal conductivity coefficient of perlite λ = 0.045 to 0.059 W/(m²·K). The melting point is from 950 to 1300°C, and the beginning of softening or sticking is 850°C.

Perlite is chemically inert, non-flammable, hygroscopic and has a constant volume. It is characterized by resistance to frost, moisture and various types of pests, has excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing properties. High porosity combined with low weight and a relatively low price make perlite a very attractive material for construction.

Application of perlite

main component of the lungs gypsum plasters, heat-protective masonry and plaster mortars;
weight-reducing additive improves the performance and plasticity of gypsum plasters, cement-lime masonry mortars and tile adhesives;
main thermal insulation material in heat-shielding masonry mortars and heat-protective plasters performed on the construction site.
the main component of heat-protective perlite concrete self-leveling floors. Such you can make the solution yourself, mixing 3 parts of perlite, cement and water in the required proportions. Do-it-yourself perlite concrete can be used to fill the floor or plaster the ceiling. At the same time, you can solve problems with surface unevenness by refusing to use polystyrene foam boards;
component that reduces the weight of gypsum castings and concrete elements. Used for weight loss of various facade tiles, prefabricated iron concrete structures, plaster casts or decorative concrete elements, window sills;
loose backfill for thermal insulation of walls and ceilings;
main component of perlite concrete insulating slabs;
perlite of class “0” as a component giving the “pearl” effect in decorative paints, as well as classes I and II for the “Raufazer” effect;
As a powder or in the form of perlite concrete, it is used as a supplement or replacement for expanded polystyrene in floors and ceilings.
Perlite, depending on the skill of handling it, is used in addition to classic insulating materials, or the main material is used for insulating floors and attics.

Heat protection solution

Recommended by manufacturers of cellular concrete. Also, manufacturers of porous blocks with a groove-tooth type connection prefer perlite solution. More and more enterprises are using it for the production of heat-protective mortars and plasters, as well as as an additive that improves the properties of polystyrene foam adhesive.

Perlite concrete

From the point of view of thermal insulation and sound insulation, it is one of the best building materials. Perlite concrete can be used for insulating floors, ceilings, pouring walls, ceilings, and roofs. By mixing the components appropriately, you can obtain various perlite concretes.

In many cases, it can be used instead of polystyrene foam - there is no need for labor-intensive operations of insulating floors with foam plastic and then pouring screed. It can also be used when laying heated floors.

Perlite proportions for concrete mortar

Perlite concrete recipe	Material ratio, cement: perlite class III: water	For a 25 kg bag of cement, add a bag of perlite (class III) with a volume of 0.1 m³ + liters of water	Bulk density [kg/m³]	Compressive strength [Mpa]	Thermal conductivity λ[W/(m²·K)]
14/4,0	1:4:1,25	1 + 31,3	840	3,8	0,097
14/5,5	1:4:1,00	1 + 25,0	920	6,4	0,078
16/3,8	1:6:1,84	1,5 + 46,0	670	3,2	0,110
16/4,5	1:6:1,56	1,5 + 39,0	740	4,2	0,087
16/5,2	1:6:1,35	1,5 + 33,8	800	4,9	0,073
18/5,0	1:8:1,80	2 + 45,0	710	4,8	0,066
110/5,5	1:10:2,0	2,5 + 50,0	590	3,4	0,070

Other possibilities for industrial use of perlite concrete:

casting foundations for equipment operating in extreme temperature conditions - from -200 to +800ºC,
production of reinforced concrete structures, chimneys, power and refrigeration units,
production of single-layer panels for construction external walls sandwich type
production of floors for bathrooms, dressing rooms, swimming pool insulation.

Thermal insulating perlite plasters

Plasters in which sand is replaced with perlite retain their properties. They are lightweight and perfectly insulate thermally and acoustically. They can be used indoors and outdoors. Perlite plaster is permeable to vapors and gases, allows the wall to breathe, and is also non-flammable. Perlite is also one of the two main specialty aggregates used in restoration plasters on antique walls to remove moisture and soluble salts that cause corrosion.

One centimeter layer of perlite plaster, from the point of view of thermal insulation, replaces: 0.5 cm of polystyrene foam, 5 cm of brick or 8 cm of traditional sand-based plaster. Plaster used on both sides of the wall doubles this effect. Using, for example: a layer of 6 cm on the outside, and 3 cm on the inside replaces 4.5 cm of polystyrene foam or 45 cm of brick or 56 cm of traditional sand plaster. If the layer of perlite plaster is thicker than 6 cm, then it is necessary to use plaster mesh. Perlite plaster can be painted with acrylic or other paint. As for gypsum perlite plasters, increasing the proportion of gypsum volume in them improves the strength characteristics. For a plaster thickness of 18 cm, a volume of 500 kg/m³ (gypsum/perlite ratio is 1:1), the strength parameters are 1.25 MPa (compression) and 0.57 MPa (bending), for a mass of 700 kg/m³ (gypsum/perlite up to 3:1) strength parameters 2.97 MPa (compression): 1.73 MPa (bending). With thin layers, the strength parameters are higher. With a layer thickness of 14 cm and 700 kg/m³ of solution, the compressive strength is 4.61 MPa and the tensile strength is 2.03 MPa. For 500 kg/m³, respectively 2.19 MPa (compression): 0.91 MPa (bending).

Fire retardant perlite plasters

Plastering the ceiling with a layer of 3.5 centimeters provides 90-minute fire resistance, columns and supports plastered with a 6-cm layer provides 180-minute fire resistance. A layer of plaster (500-700 kg/m³) 12 cm thick provides fire resistance of the 1st degree for industrial and public facilities.

Construction adhesives based on perlite

Increase volume fraction Perlite in the glue causes a decrease in its strength parameters. In exchange for this, the following are improved: thermal insulation properties, fire resistance, lightness of products, fluidity, adhesion, sound insulation.

Implementation advanced technologies for thermal insulation of residential and industrial premises is a very urgent task.

For example, unlike European countries, in the countries of the former USSR they spend 1.5...2 times more on heating buildings, which is 20% of the country’s total energy resources. It is possible to significantly reduce energy costs for heating buildings through the use of thermal insulation materials for the repair and construction of buildings. In particular, it has a great thermal insulation effect perlite.

Currently, perlite-based materials are increasingly gaining popularity in construction. The prerequisites for the use of perlite in Ukraine are its own huge reserves of raw materials, so perlite deposits " Fogosh", village Muzhievo, Transcarpathian region (reserves are about 13.4 million tons).

What is perlite? Types and characteristics of perlite

Perlite (French perlite - pearl) is a rock, acidic volcanic glass, which contains more than 1% water ( cm. photo 1). The texture of perlite is similar to pearls, which is where its name comes from.

Visually, perlite looks like sand or crushed stone (depending on the size of the fractions) white or slightly gray, has no smell.

Perlite is used in agriculture, metallurgy, medicine, energy, construction, etc.

Depending on the area of application and the size of its particles, perlite is produced in the following most common varieties:

construction perlite (fraction 0.16...1.25 mm);
agroperlite (granules size 1...5 mm);
filterperlite (granule size 0...0.16 mm).

In the construction industry, perlite is mainly used as thermal insulation material (60% of total usage). Perlite is used as a filler for the production of lightweight concrete and mortars. Based on it, perlite blocks and bricks for laying walls, and slabs for finishing residential premises are made. In Ukraine, perlite is produced with a density of 75, 100, 150, 200 kg/m3.

Obtaining perlite

In construction, perlite, as a rock itself, is practically not used, because such perlite has properties like ordinary stone or crushed stone ( cm.photo 2 ).

Photo 2. Extraction of perlite: a) perlite is a rock; b) extraction of perlite in a quarry

Perlite acquires its unique properties as a result of its processing. Perlite, like all rocks, has free and bound water. Bound water is found in the micropores of the rock and, when heated, can expand and turn into gas. The expansion of water occurs due to sudden heating of the rock (thermal shock) at a temperature of 900...1100 o C, which leads to the explosion of pores, swelling (5...20 times) and disintegration of the rock into spherical particles with a porosity of 70...90%. During heat treatment, due to the evaporation of water and its partial release, many small bubbles and voids are created.

Depending on the amount of water content in perlite, the heat treatment process can occur in one or two stages. If the water content in the rock is more than 3.5%, this excess is first removed from the perlite by keeping it at a temperature of 300...400°C.

Technical characteristics of expanded perlite

Bulk density:

perlite sand: 45...200 kg/m3 (depending on particle size);
perlite crushed stone: up to 500 kg/m3.

Particle size: 1…10 mm.
Non-flammable, fire-resistant (heat-insulating and fire-resistant plasters are made based on perlite).
Porosity 70...90%.
Withstands temperatures in the range: - 200 o C...900 o C.
Low thermal conductivity: 0.043…0.053 W/mK.
Hygroscopic material (capable of absorbing moisture and releasing it outside without deteriorating its properties).
Relatively low cost: 300...400 UAH/m 3 .

Application of perlite in construction

The most widely used perlite products are:

bulk perlite insulation;
dry building mixtures containing perlite;
perlite slabs;
perlite roofing material;
perlite wall products.

Bulk perlite thermal insulation

Bulk perlite insulation is manufactured by processing with organic silicon compounds and high temperature, which ensure non-flammability and hydrophobization of perlite granules.

Thanks to perlite insulation, it saves construction material, heat loss is reduced significantly (up to 50% or more). When erecting walls, a void gap is left in the middle (its width is determined by calculation), which is filled with perlite ( photo 3). Filling with perlite is done by pouring it out of bags and then compacting it. Compaction must be 10% of the backfill, and is done to prevent settlement of the material.

For your information! The thickness of the perlite layer of 2.5...3 cm is equivalent in thermal conductivity to the thickness brick wall 1 brick (25 cm).

Perlite can be used to insulate old houses that have air gaps in the walls. To do this, several bricks are pulled out, through which the material is poured. This process can be done more efficiently using special installations(for example, installation Krendl 450A (USA), photo 4. A hole with a diameter of 30 mm or higher is drilled in the wall, and perlite is injected through it.

Photo 4. Installation Krendl 450A (USA) for pumping perlite

They also insulate attic floors by laying bags filled with perlite sand on top.

Advantages of using backfill perlite thermal insulation:

Biologically stable - since the material is inorganic, it is not subject to rotting and is “not interesting” for rodents and insects.
The optimal fraction is convenient for installation, easily fills all cracks and voids.
Non-flammable – heat combustion (combustion temperature 1260 o C).
Hydrophobic – after treatment with organic compounds, it has increased water resistance and a water-repellent effect.
Good sound insulation performance - perlite has high porosity, and in most cases the pores are closed, which prevents the passage of sound waves.
Cost-effective – allows you to save on reducing the thickness of the walls, at a relatively low cost.
Durability: perlite does not lose its properties over time and does not collapse.
Ecologically pure material; non-toxic.

Perlite wall products

Artificial perlite wall products are produced in the form of stones, bricks and blocks, which are lightweight due to their porous structure ( photo 5).

Perlite in such products is presented as a filler, the proportion of which in relation to the binder is 1:4...1:10 (by volume). Gypsum, Portland cement, organic binders, clay, and lime are used as binders.

Perlite bricks and blocks are used for the construction of external and interior walls, partitions. The operating temperature range for perlite structures is: – 80 o C…600 o C.

Thermal insulation boards made of perlite

Perlite is also used to make slabs for finishing the walls of premises, with a density of 100...600 kg/m 3 and a compressive strength of 0.3...0.55 MPa. There are many options for the thickness and size of these slabs.

Since perlite is hygroscopic, slabs made from it are durable, not susceptible to fungus and mold, and have good thermal insulation properties(thermal conductivity 0.06…0.117 W/m o C). Perlite boards have good vapor permeability, which allows the wall to “breathe”, condensation does not appear on the walls, photo 6. These slabs can be painted any color and come in a variety of patterns.

Perlite flooring

Floors using perlite are made up to 30 cm thick. The use of perlite as a filler for concrete in the manufacture of floors significantly reduces heat loss and increases sound insulation between floors. The material is durable, does not rot, does not corrode, and has slight shrinkage. The density of perlite for floors is 70...100 kg/m 3 with granule fractions:

10...20% - particles larger than 1.18 mm;
80...90% - particles up to 0.15...1.18 mm in size.

To make floors using perlite, a specially selected fraction is used, which has hydrophobic and dust-suppressing properties. Perlite is effectively used for “warm” floors, since its temperature coefficient of expansion is very small, which prevents the formation of cracks during repeated heating.

For your information! It has been measured that when producing heated floors using perlite, savings amount to up to 15...30% of thermal energy for room heights of up to 3 m, and for heights above 3 m – up to 50%.

Dry mixes

It is used as a filler for construction dry mixtures mixed with gypsum and cement (gypsum-perlite, cement-perlite mixtures). Perlite improves the performance of these mixtures. Dry building mixtures with perlite are used as putty and adhesive compositions, grouting joints and cracks. Also used as self-leveling mixtures for floors.

Perlite plaster has good thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, 5...15 times more effective according to these parameters from ordinary plaster. This plaster is frost-resistant, does not rot, and has high percent vapor permeability. Dry construction perlite-containing mixtures for plastering walls are produced for both interior and exterior work ( photo 7).

Perlite-cement mortars are very often used for plastering metal load-bearing structures civil buildings for the purpose increasing their fire resistance.

Perlite roof insulation

Roofing perlite-containing materials are produced in the form of bitumen perlite, which is used for thermal insulation of floors and roofs of industrial and civil buildings. The grade of expanded perlite sand used is grades 150 and 200 according to GOST 10832-91. This material has high strength (compression 0.35 MPa) and high temperature resistance of 500 o C, low thermal conductivity - 0.067 W/m o C.

I also use expanded perlite sand as backfill to insulate sloping roofs. The advantages of perlite backfill are that it is a fire-resistant material, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use.

The publication was prepared by experts

Konev Alexander Anatolievich

Ismagilov Andrey Olegovich

Insulating the house with perlite. Types and properties.

If sand from volcanic rocks is passed through a high-temperature oven, the result is expanded sand, or perlite. In addition to the production of perlite solutions, perlite is used as a heat-insulating material for floors, floor ceilings and for insulating brick-lined walls. The insulation process is carried out by pouring perlite into the opening between the wall and facing bricks. The insulation process comes down to the fact that between the wall of the building and facing wall space is left for filling insulation. The width of the space for perlite backfill depends on the need for insulating effect. The width of the filling gap of 10-15 cm is enough for the insulation effect to be the highest.

The technology for filling perlite heat insulator is not difficult. Along with the construction of the load-bearing wall and facing masonry, perlite is backfilled and compacted after every 3-4 rows. Perlite is highly water resistant, so when insulating with perlite, additional waterproofing over the entire surface is not required. Perlite insulation is also used to insulate the floors of a flat roof, floor or floor slab. To backfill the perlite insulation, it is covered with diffusion-permeable plasterboard slabs or particle boards. A layer of perlite sand is covered with a layer of at least 1 cm. Not films, but kraft paper are used as a coating for the perlite layer, corrugated cardboard or fiberglass. If floor insulation is carried out with a high humidity coefficient, under a layer of perlite backfill are laid drainage tubes, through which the collected moisture will be removed.

Molded perlite insulation.

Recently, the prospects have increased using perlite insulation in its different forms. In addition to perlite sand, a large amount of molding perlite is produced in the form of perlite thermal insulation boards. To create molded perlite, binders such as cement, bitumen, gypsum or liquid glass are used. Perlite slabs have high strength, moisture resistance, sound and thermal insulation. Also, all products made from perlite are non-combustible materials. The number of types of molded perlite already exceeds a dozen. For example, bitumen perlite is not only a thermal insulation material, but is also a high-quality waterproofing material with a high vapor transmission coefficient.

Bituminous perlite

Used for insulation and insulation of combined, flat roofs and other waterproofing and insulation works. For thermal insulation technological equipment associated with electricity or high temperature places, carbo perlite is used. This material has high bending strength. In home construction, it can be used to insulate electrical wiring, fireplaces and chimneys.

In addition to these types of perlite materials, other types of perlite slabs are produced, in which lime, clay, gypsum, liquid glass, basalt fiber and others are used as binders. In addition to slab perlite, fibrous heat-insulating material based on perlite and basalt fiber, and even perlite, high-temperature brick, are also produced.