Functional fillers are more than just fluff. They’re added to plastics, coatings, and other materials to purposely enhance properties and improve performance while reducing costs. Specific fillers are chosen for their unique characteristics and ability to optimize results. Minerals like perlite are a preferred choice of functional fillers for a wide range of applications.

How Fillers Function

Just like you add a spice to flavor a recipe or apply sunscreen to protect your skin, functional fillers are added to products to help strengthen their structure and optimize related processes. Depending on the material used, fillers can boost strength, heat resistance, and durability. They can help improve the flow of liquids and act as insulation. Adding a filler can also help lower the cost of the final product, especially when a more cost-effective material is used.

Processing Perlite for Use

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that expands when heated, producing a lightweight, porous material. Here’s an overview of how perlite is processed into a versatile filler:

1. Raw perlite ore is mined and crushed.
2. Small particles are dried to remove surface moisture, which can affect the heated expansion process.
3. As perlite is heated in a furnace, trapped water rapidly vaporizes, causing it to expand. In some cases, perlite can be chemically treated to achieve specific properties during expansion.
4. Once the perlite has cooled, it’s sorted by particle size.
5. Expanded perlite can also be milled, coated, or further processed for specific applications.

Some of the additional processing methods produce the following perlite filler options:

• Perlite flakes have a three-dimensional structure that helps maintain the physical properties of the host material.
• Clusters of perlite bubbles promote better bonding with the host, some of which are used for acoustics and insulating plasters.
• Perlite microspheres are made up of hollow expanded perlite and can be coated to enhance product flow and bonding capabilities.

Those looking to use perlite as a filler should have a specific particle size and shape in mind. Smaller particles are usually easier to disperse throughout the product. The shape of the filler particles impacts the strength and feel of the final product.

Using Perlite as a Functional Filler

Functional fillers can be used in a wide range of industries and tailored for specific applications. Perlite is often chosen because of its following properties:

• Lightweight
• Inert and non-toxic
• Color-friendly
• Resists shrinking, cracking, impact, and fire
• Fine texture
• Extends pigment
• Helps control gloss and sheen
• Water and/or air permeability
• Insulates
• Modifies acoustics
• Adds flexible strength
• Available in various sizes and densities

These unique features makes expanded perlite suitable for the following applications:

• Construction: durable, heat-safe aggregate in concrete, plaster, and insulation
• Filtration: for various industrial and food processing applications
• Personal Care: bulking agent and absorbent in cosmetic products
• Plastics and Composites: helps improve strength, reduce weight, and enhance fire resistance
• Horticulture: soil amendment that improves structure and aeration
• Adhesives: formulations for veneer and other materials

Chemrock Cryogenics‘s versatile perlite functional fillers can elevate your products and processes. Choose the shape and size for your specific application. If you’re looking for a durable material you can rely on, look into perlite and see for yourself how using a natural product can help maintain the integrity and performance of your equipment.