Vermiculite is free flowing, soft, sterile and absorbent. This means it has found a role as a support and carrying medium for a range of nutrients such as fat concentrates, vitamin preparations and molasses. The use of vermiculite gives a high volume yield and accommodates a high liquid intake whilst retaining good handling characteristics, so simplifying the process of mixing with other materials.

Vermiculite, coated with a bituminous binder, can be used as a dry, lightweight roof screed. This type of screed has the advantages of low thermal conductivity, low moisture content and ease of placement.

Chemical treatments can cause the layered structure of vermiculite to expand or delaminate, producing very high aspect ratio particles. Such dispersions play an important role in the coating of both organic and inorganic fibre products. This treatment substantially increases the thermal stability of fibres. A whole new family of vermiculite products can be generated by varying the chemical process. It is possible to produce flexible films, papers and coatings, and to make specialised additives for various industries.

Developments in this area of research have indicated that it may be feasible to manufacture complex silicate structures which, when polymerised, would form inorganic analogues of organic polymer systems with unique properties of flexibility and fire resistance.

Vermiculite is recognised as a material particularly suited for fire protection. Vermiculite-based products range from factory made boards and panels to premixed coatings suitable for application by mechanical spray or by hand plastering techniques on a range of structures. These coatings have been used in the petrochemical industry and tunnel construction.

Vermiculite is now used extensively in the friction lining industry (eg. brake and clutch linings) as a safe alternative to asbestos, and plays an important role in this field.

Vermiculite is well established as a growing medium. It is most commonly used in compost formulations, usually in combination with peat or coir. Vermiculite/peat or coir compost formulations provide ideal conditions for plant growth. The presence of vermiculite particles in the compost aids aeration, improves moisture retention and promotes the steady release of added fertilisers, whilst the vermiculite itself contributes potassium, magnesium and a number of minor elements.

The air/water ratios for vermiculite/peat or coir composts are ideal for the stimulation of root growth, and hence the production of healthy young plants. The vermiculite is sterile when processed. If stored correctly it will need no further treatment before incorporation into composts. Vermiculite can also be used as a carrier and extender for fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. It is also used in a ground form for encapsulating seeds. Exfoliated vermiculite can also be used as a packing material for storing fruit, bulbs and tubers.

Good thermal insulation, low density and its natural refractory properties combine with ease of application to make vermiculite a highly suitable material for use in steelworks and foundries.

It is used for hot topping molten steel to reduce heat loss from ingots and ladles and generally as a loose-fill insulator.

Loosefill vermiculite can be used between joists in lofts for home insulation. The free flowing properties of exfoliated vermiculite make installation very simple. The insulating properties of vermiculite significantly reduce the loss of heat in cold weather and keep the interior cool in hot weather. It also functions as a sound absorbent material.

Other novel insulation uses include incubation of reptile eggs.

Exfoliated vermiculite is a useful packaging medium. Not only is it lightweight, clean and easily poured around irregular shaped objects, it also provides a good baffle against shocks caused by impact and improper handling. Being highly absorbent, it safely retains leaks from packed materials such as hazardous chemicals. As it is inorganic it does not present any potential fire hazards making it suitable for use in air freight.

Exfoliated vermiculite can also be used as a packing material for storing fruit, bulbs and tubers. Vermiculite degrades naturally, so is easily disposed of. Being soft and non-abrasive it has also been used effectively for insulation and cushioning the base of plastic-lined swimming pools.

Vermiculite may be milled before or after exfoilation according to the range of particle sizes required. Such milled or ground material may be used for the production of anti-drumming coatings, condensation control paints, high performance gaskets and seals and for upgrading the fire resistance of organic foams and other polymer based systems. Exfoliated vermiculite can be coloured to suit its end use (eg. retail display).

Vermiculite for refractory and high temperature insulation is normally bonded with alumina cements, fire clays and silicates to produce a wide range of vermiculite products which, depending on type and application can withstand hot face temperatures of up to 1100°C.
The type of refractory products made using vermiculite are:-

Pressed vermiculite block insulation can be used in high temperature kilns, furnaces, combustion plants, boilers, wood burning stoves and night storage heaters. It is becoming more widely accepted as an alternative for asbestos or man-made mineral fibre insulation. The units can vary from simple blocks to very intricate shapes designed to accommodate electrical elements, fixing screws, etc.

Vermiculite plasters can be made with either gypsum or Portland cement. The advantage which all types of vermiculite plasters give over conventional are:

Vermiculite plasters, whether gypsum or cement based, can be applied by hand or by spraying machine. Being a non-abrasive aggregate, vermiculite is well suited to spray application and the sprayed plasters can have an attractive decorative appearance.