Vermiculite dispersion (Photo courtesy of WR Grace)
Specialist coatings containing vermiculite are made from dispersions of the mineral after it has been either chemically or physically very finely delaminated.
Vermiculite dispersions are used in high temperature coatings or binders for construction materials, gaskets, weld curtains, specialty papers/textiles, oxidation resistant coatings on carbon composites, and as barrier coatings for films.
When combined with other fillers milled exfoliated vermiculite and a ‘paint type’ binder can be used as a wet spray applied anti-drumming compound. These products are used extensively to damp the vibration of architectural panels such as those used in curtain wall construction or as claddings in railway stations and tunnels.