TVA Lightweight News - Summer 2023

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE VERMICULITE ASSOCIATION

Message From the President

by Jeffrey Sheehy, Sr.

Here at TVA, we have continued to work and plan for the remainder of 2023 and prepare for 2024. In late June, we held a Board of Directors meeting to review the 2023 Annual Meeting in Miami. We also started planning for TVA’s 75th Annual Meeting to be held in San Diego, California in April 2024. We plan for this meeting to be very special and hope many of our

members will be able to attend. We did discuss the Wi-Fi connection issues virtual attendees struggled with during the Miami meeting and we hope to not encounter those problems again in the future.

The EPA asbestos ruling was released and a members Zoom call was held on August 14 to discuss the new ruling. We scheduled another call with members on September 11 to continue the discussion as we move along as an association to work together and grow our industry. We would love to hear your ideas, feedback, or questions.

If you want to get involved, let us know. We have opportunities – big and small – to get plugged in with TVA. Please feel free to reach out to us at tva@vermiculte.org. Your voice matters and your contributions are instrumental in driving our shared mission forward.

SAVE THE DATE 2024 TVA ANNUAL MEETING

Celebrate TVA's 75th Anniversary at our 2024 Annual Meeting! Join us April 23 – 25, 2024, in San Diego, California. Network with professionals and learn about the latest developments in our industry.

Attending TVA's Annual Meeting is a must for gaining valuable industry insights. With intentional networking and informative sessions, such as updates from mining members, you'll get a big-picture perspective of what affects us all. Engage in these industry conversations, and you'll be sure to come away with a deeper understanding of the industry.

Stay tuned for more information!

TVA Mourns the Loss of Member Rudolf van der Mark

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of TVA member Rudolf van der Mark of Isoleermaterialenindustrie Pull B.V. He passed away on August 27, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Former TVA Executive Director Denise Calabrese, CAE remembered Rudolf as “one of the kindest people I’ve known. He was always so supportive of our efforts here at The Vermiculite Association. He will be long remembered and sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies are sent to his family and friends.”

For correspondence, please use the address below:

Utrechtsestraatweg 222

3911 TX Rhenen

The Netherlands

TVA Board of Directors

President Jeffrey Sheehy, Sr. Whittemore Co. Inc., Lawrence, Ma. 978-681-8833

jsheehy@whittemoreco.com

Term expires 2024

Vice President

Richard Knight

Palabora Europe, Farnham, Surrey +44 (0) 1252 917341

richard.knight@palaboraeurope.co.uk

Term expires 2024

Treasurer Dan Metz Virginia Vermiculite, Louisa, Va. 540-967-2266

dan@virginiavermiculite.com

Term expires 2024

Immediate Past President

Tim DeJarnette

The Strong Company, Pine Bluff, Ark. 870-535-7617

timdejarnette@strongseal.com

Term expires 2024

Welcome, New Member!

National Gypsum

Charlotte, N.C.

Directors

Matt Goecker

Specialty Vermiculite, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 775-287-9796

mgoecker@dicalite.com

Term expires 2023

Jim Juron Traxys North America, New York, N.Y. 201-302-0888

jim.juron@traxys.com

Term expires 2023

Member Spotlight

Andrew Baylay, The Vermiculite Consultancy Ltd

Q: How long have you been in the industry, and why did you get into this industry?

A: Being a "Stokie" from Stoke on Trent in the United Kingdom, I was brought up in the world-famous center of ceramics. I studied ceramics, heavy clays and hightemperature steel plant refractories. My working life began as a laboratory technician at the age of 16 at a local brickworks that produced building bricks, fireclay bricks and high-temperature bauxite bricks for steel ladle linings. A move of employer some 10 years later (1974) took me to what is now Dupré Minerals Ltd (previously Hoben Davis Ltd) as Assistant General Manager. It was here that I became fascinated with the production of vermiculite through two antiquated "Mantoc" furnaces, so to date, I have been involved with vermiculite for some 50 years!

Q: Tell us about your company and what you do in your current position.

A: I retired from Dupré in 2018; however, itchy feet and a realization that my life's work was my biggest interest, I decided to start my own consultancy business without great expectations, it has to be said. Within weeks I was called upon to advise a miner in China, a country that I know well. Then along came COVID, just three months after my return from Wuhan, of all places! Since then, the demand for my services has been a constant in my life.

Q: What is the biggest industry-related change or challenge you've seen over the years, and what have you done to overcome it?

A: The biggest change, I can say, has been the demand by end users for tighter and tighter quality demands, which goes all the way down the line back to miners. The biggest challenge we face today is cost increase and competition from other products. While supply from miners has always been a thorny issue, it has not been a showstopper. But once a customer makes the switch from vermiculite, it rarely can be reversed.

Q: How long have you been a member of TVA, and why did you join?

A: My membership with TVA goes way, way back, maybe over 40 years. I served as a Director of TVA and often attended annual meetings. I joined TVA as vermiculite became my focus at Dupré, and my vision was to become totally immersed in vermiculite and its applications. Joining TVA allowed me to network with like-minded people.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your membership with TVA?

A: The newsletter and Mike Darling’s contribution are always a good read. The annual meetings are a highlight and are very informative.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A: Well, it’s not so much fun for the family, but my son, Robert, (who is now General Manager at Dupré Minerals Ltd) and I are

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

The latest news, observations and insights into the world of vermiculite

by Mike Darling

Some Acquisition News About Former TVA

Member Skamol in Denmark

Etex Strengthens Its Sustainable Offering by Acquiring High-Temperature Insulation Expert Skamol

temperature insulation for building and industrial applications. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

Etex, the lightweight construction pioneer, is acquiring Skamol, a manufacturer of hightemperature insulation materials. This acquisition further consolidates Etex’s portfolio of sustainable solutions in a market that is strongly supported by the need for energy-efficient insulation products and solutions. Skamol and Etex – through its passive fire protection and high-performance insulation business – are complimentary in terms of products and geographies, allowing the combined organizations to broaden their offering in high-

Skamol is a leading Danish manufacturer of specialty hightemperature insulation systems for a wide range of applications within building and industry. Skamol’s two main technologies are well known by Etex: calcium silicate and pressed vermiculite boards. These technologies are used for various applications worldwide, from industrial kilns and furnaces to domestic stoves and fireplaces, mold prevention in homes and fire protection solutions for buildings. This diversity of applications represents a strategic complementarity with Etex’s current products and solutions, particularly in calcium silicate boards, where Etex is a major actor with its Promat business.

Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Skamol has a turnover of circa 80 million euros and operates four facilities: three in Denmark and one in Poland. With more than 300 employees, its activities span across the world. Click here for more info.

Click here to read a follow-up article written after the acquisition.

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

Mining News

Indian Vermiculite Production Statistics

While India barely produces one percent of the world’s vermiculite supply, the recently released yearbook from the Indian Bureau of Mines provides some useful information. Statistics relating to global production and supply cited in this document seem to have been taken from both USGS and BGS sources, and in so doing, don’t show any special insight into the world market, but it still makes for interesting reading in relation to the Indian vermiculite market: 60th Edition Indian Minerals Yearbook 2021 for Vermiculite. Released online in March 2023.

The following paragraph succinctly sums the situation up well: "(Indian) production of vermiculite at 1,260 tonnes in 2020-21, as compared to 2,774 in 2019-20, decreased by 120% compared to that in the previous year. There were three reporting mines, including one associate mine in 2020-21 and five reporting mines in the previous year. Andhra Pradesh was the leading producer of vermiculite in 2020-21, which accounted for 60% of the total production, and the remaining 40% was contributed from Tamil Nadu.” LINK

News About Sales of Metalliferous and Mineral Products from Palabora Mining Company in South Africa

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), which is an integrated internet platform provider of nonferrous and ferrous metals, reported on June 5, 2023 that HBIS Resources expects magnetite sales of South Africa subsidiary in 2023 to Exceed 10 Million Mt.

HBIS Resources expects that the South African subsidiary's annual sales of magnetite will exceed 10 million mt, an increase of 31% from the 7.625 million mt in 2022; the expected sales of vermiculite in 2023 are 170,000 mt, an increase of 11% from the 152,500 mt in 2022. Sales of copper products in 2023 will be no less than 30,000 mt, an increase of 25% from the 22,400 mt in 2022.

The average grade of the (magnetite) ore is 58%. After magnetic separation processing, the iron content will rise to 62.5-64.5%.

The biggest problem that restricts the performance of the company is the transportation capacity, mainly due to the poor local infrastructure. The local freight is relatively high, and the railway fee is about $15/mt, and the road transportation fee is about $30/mt. The proportion of railway transportation is about 80%.

The company's book cash assets exceed 4.8 billion yuan. HBIS Resources intends to expand resource reserves and plans to acquire projects. LINK

Palabora Europe, the overseas sales arm for the company based in the UK, had the following update in their blog on June 15, 2023: Anticipated Surge in Magnetite and Vermiculite Sales Signals Industry Growth.

HBIS, a leading steel company, is expecting a significant surge in magnetite and vermiculite sales in 2023. This projection reflects the growing demand for these crucial raw materials across multiple industries. LINK

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

Lightweight Aggregates in Green Roofs

Some things to consider regarding using lightweight aggregates in Green Roof projects and “what’s hiding behind your Green Roof soil test report?”

An online article by GREENROOFS.COM

Lightweight Aggregates

Although not part of the ASTM/FLL guidelines for green roof media, lightweight aggregates used in green roof construction should be tested and pass a freeze/thaw process to ensure that the aggregates can withstand freeze/thaw cycles without them breaking down. This is not as critical in sub-tropical climates, but most green roof installations within North America are in climate zones that will experience freezing temperatures at some time during the year.

Perlite / Vermiculite / Styrofoam

Materials such as these—used extensively in the potting soils industry as an additive to lighten and aerate potting soil blends—are sometimes used to reduce weight in a green roof media. Choosing materials such as these for the purpose of reducing weight can result in unwanted results in a green roof application. Heavy rain events, especially during the period prior to vegetation being fully established on the roof surface, can lead to these materials floating to the surface and ultimately into the drain ports, where they could cause clogging.

Additionally, if these particles only migrate to the green roof media surface (without washing away), the overall gradation matrix of the media will have changed, potentially causing unwanted problems. And as is the case with lightweight aggregates, you should ask your soil provider if these types of materials have passed a freeze/thaw test process. LINK .

Novel Composite Materials Offer Enhanced Energy Efficiency

And regrettably for us, these alternative alginate-based beads outperform SPECIFIC’s earlier carrier material, vermiculite, in terms of heat storage capacity. This is a further thread about the subject of thermochemical energy storage and the possible uses of vermiculite.

The new spherical beads have a higher salt capacity and up to four times the energy density of the vermiculite carrier. This is made possible by their efficient packing in a fixed bed with sufficient airflow. As a result, the new material can store the same amount of heat energy in a quarter of the volume. LINK

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

Health and Safety News

Vermiculite Continues to be Important in the Safe Transport and Recycling of Lithium Batteries and Components

Veolia Launches Vape Collection Scheme and Uses Vermiculite to Help Minimize the Fire Risks

From the Lithium-Ion Batteries Contained Within Them by Kiran Paul | April 25, 2023

Vermiculite Products Used in Reducing Hazards in Transport of Electric Vehicle Batteries for Recycling

On May 31, 2023, ABC News in Australia published an online article titled “EV batteries pose big risks — and new figures reveal how much hazardous waste they could create.” In this article, the use of vermiculite products to reduce hazards in the transportation of EV batteries for recycling is mentioned:

“To transport EV batteries into the factory, EcoBatt has designed what Mr. Lee dubs ‘an explosion box.’ These transportation devices include cases lined in fire-retardant vermiculite and fire blankets”. LINK

And on a similar theme, the following downloadable online document gives plenty of helpful advice about safe packaging of lithiumion batteries in recycling schemes. Vermiculite is mentioned plenty of times! LINK

And just in case you don’t know about the WEEE Directive, it is a European Commission Directive acronym for the: Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. An overview of this is available HERE

Leading resource management company Veolia has launched a national vape collection service to help provide safe disposal and recycling routes for the three million vapes currently thrown away each week. With over 143 million vapes thrown away each year*, Veolia can now facilitate the collection and transport of vapes from retailers to a recycling facility to extract the valuable materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese inside. Collections will be scheduled according to demand, and in order to store and transport these materials safely, Veolia will provide retailers with individual containers of vermiculite, a mineral that will minimize fire risks from the lithium-ion batteries contained within the vapes.

Highlighting the environmental benefits of the scheme, Veolia explained recycling of vapes could save more than ten tonnes of lithium that could be recycled into new products from the batteries, which is equivalent to enough of the metal to make batteries for 1,200 electric cars. Recycling lithium would save up to 72 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to using raw materials, as producing one tonne of lithium from ore produces around nine tonnes of CO2 emissions.

LINK 1 and LINK 2

Part filled vape recycling drum with vermiculite packaging material

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

Vermiculite Used in Grapevine Propagation in a Process Known as “Callusing”

Various references cite the use of vermiculite and perlite as media for the callusing of grape vines, the first one is an online article by Agrifarming HERE, HERE, as well as HERE, but the general picture is still the same:

“For callusing, cuttings are normally packed into clean boxes containing a moist, but not wet, sterile medium such as perlite or vermiculite and then incubated for 2–3 weeks at 26–29 °C until a ring of callus forms around the base of the cuttings and the graft unions. Callusing is slower at lower temperatures (26 - 27 °C), but slower-growing callus forms a stronger union than callus that develops at higher temperatures (28 - 29 °C). If cuttings are left in the callusing boxes for more than 3 weeks, excessive amounts of callus tissue can form that impedes the formation of new xylem and phloem across the graft union. Callus tissue should not protrude outwards from the graft union by more than 2 - 3 mm.” LINK

The company Exfoliators, located in Australia, quotes on their website that they sell coarse Grade 4 vermiculite which is used extensively in the viticulture industry for propagation and callusing of grape vines. LINK

The Best Soil for Gardening Fans: Seed Starting Tips

Starting your own seeds can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it all begins with choosing the right soil. The best seed-starting soil is one that is sterile, lightweight, and moisture-retaining while also being well-draining. This blog post explores the different types of seed-starting soil and provides recommendations for the best options on the market.

This blog post mentions using vermiculite regularly!

From the Desk of Your Technical Consultant

A Gardener’s Guide to Substituting Vermiculite in Potting Mixes

If you’re looking for a vermiculite substitute for your potting mix or garden soil, there are plenty of options available. Vermiculite is a popular choice for its moistureretaining properties, but it can also be expensive and hard to find. Fortunately, there are many other materials that can be used as a substitute, including perlite, pine fines, cotton gin waste, and even sand. LINK

Sowing the Seeds of the Season to Come

Gardening Tips for Vegetable Lovers: Using Perlite and Vermiculite

If you’re an avid gardener or just starting out, you may be wondering about the best ways to improve your soil quality and help your vegetable plants thrive. Two materials that are commonly used for this purpose are perlite and vermiculite. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these materials and how they can benefit your vegetable garden.

First, let’s start with vermiculite. This material is a natural mineral that is heated and expanded to create a lightweight, porous substance that can hold moisture and improve soil aeration. Vermiculite is particularly useful in areas with sandy soil, as it helps to retain moisture and nutrients that would otherwise drain away too quickly. It can also help to neutralize soil pH, making it a great option for gardeners who are dealing with acidic or alkaline soil.

To use vermiculite in your vegetable garden, you can mix it into your soil at a rate of around 25% vermiculite to 75% soil. This will help to improve soil structure and drainage, which can be especially helpful in raised beds or container gardens. For plants that require moist soil, such as tomatoes or cucumbers, vermiculite can be particularly beneficial. LINK

On April 15, 2023, Brian Cunningham of the Press and Journal, the trusted voice of the north and north-east of Scotland for 275 years, urged readers to give planting a go this spring and extolled the virtues of vermiculite in the container growing media!

“Over the years, I’ve learned about the use of a mineral called vermiculite, its lightweight properties help to aerate the compost while at the same time being able to retain moisture and nutrients, making it ideal for use when seed sowing.

You can sow seed directly into a tray of 100% of vermiculite, depending on how many packets of seed you intend to sow, but this could prove quite costly. A halfand-half mix of vermiculite and seed-sowing compost is another option that would make your bag of compost go further and make use of the full bag of vermiculite, this is something I’m experimenting with as we transition more into peat-free compost.” LINK

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike Darling

Collectable adsorbent based on the adsorption characteristics of sodium citrate-pretreated vermiculite for cesium ion in an aquatic environment or Click Here

Authors: Yasuhiro Akemoto, Seira Takahashi, Yuhi Inaba, Masahiko Kan, Satya Candra Wibawa Sakti, & Shunitz Tanaka.

Published in: Journal of Water Process Engineering. Volume 50, December 2022.

Abstract: This study aimed to develop a collectable adsorbent for Cs using clay mineral and alginate gel. The adsorption capacity of vermiculite (Verm) for Cs increased from 97.1 mg/g to 119 mg/g after sodium citric treatment. The Verm used in this study has a partial chlorite structure, and the existence of interlayer material was considered. The adsorption sites of Verm for Cs increased because the interlayer material in the partly chlorite structure was removed via sodium citric treatment. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm described this adsorption phenomenon well, indicating that the adsorption of Cs by Verm after sodium citric treatment (Verm-Cit) is monolayer adsorption. Since a typical phenomenon was also observed in which the basal spacing became approximately 1.0 nm when Cs was adsorbed by the interlayer of vermiculite, the interlayer of Verm-Cit functioned as an adsorption site. Verm-Cit was encapsulated in alginate gel beads (AG-Verm-Cit) for accessible collection after adsorption. Although the equilibrium adsorption time of AGVerm-Cit was extended from 10 min without encapsulation (Verm-Cit) to over 360 min, an adsorption capacity of 60.5 mg/g was obtained even after 30 min. The developed adsorbent requires time to reach equilibrium; however, the adsorption capacity was similar to or higher than reported in previous studies, even with a relatively shorter contact time. Additionally, the weight and volume of the adsorbent encapsulated in alginate gel beads can be decreased by air drying without heat. These properties can contribute to removing Cs from the aquatic environment and to the stable management of adsorbents with radionuclides.

Investigation on Long-Term Stability of Vermiculite Seals for Reversible Solid Oxide Cell

Authors: Ruizhu Li, Yue Lu, Yutian Yu, Xianzhi Ren, Feng Ding, Chengzhi Guan, & Jianqiang Wang.

Published in: Molecules 2023, 28(3). February 2, 2023.

Abstract: A reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) integrating solid oxide fuel (SOFC) and a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) usually utilizes compressive seals. In this work, the vermiculite seals of various thickness and compressive load during thermal cycles and long-term operation were investigated. The leakage rates of seals were gradually increased with increasing thickness and input gas pressure. The thinner seals had good sealing performance. The compressive load was carried out at thinner seals, the possible holes were squeezed, and finally the leakage rates were lower. With a fixed input gas pressure of 1 psi, 2 psi, and 3 psi, the leakage rates of 0.50 mm vermiculite remained at around 0.009 sccm/ cm, 0.017 sccm/cm and 0.028 sccm/cm during twenty thermal cycles, while the leakage rates remained at around 0.011 sccm/cm for about 240 h. Simultaneously, elemental diffusions between seals and components were limited, implying good compatibility. Furthermore, the open circuit voltage (OCV) remained at around 1.04 V during 17 thermal cycles, which is close to Nernst potentials. The stack performance confirmed that the vermiculite seals can meet the structural support and sealing requirements. Therefore, the vermiculite shows good promise for application in stacks during thermal cycles and long-term operation.

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by

Mike Darling

Effect of vermiculite addition on the compressive strength of concrete

Authors: Lintang Dian & S. Syahril Polban.

Published in: AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 2568. March 14, 2023.

Abstract: To knowledge development and technology in the world of construction, one of which is the search for new materials that can increase strength in concrete. As we already know, the smaller the ratio of water to cement in the concrete mixture (FAS), the higher chances of increasing concrete strength. Therefore, in this research, an added material that has strong characteristics in water absorption is used, namely vermiculite. Vermiculite is a mica mineral in the form of flakes with water absorption capacity of 106.9%. The mineral content contained in vermiculite is SiO2 (41.60%), Al2O3 (13.38%), Fe2O3 (6.29%), MgO (24.60%), and H2O- (2.73%). The percentage addition of vermiculite to the concrete mixture was 0% (as a control variable), 12%, 24%, and 36%, then the compressive strength of the concrete tested. The results of the strength test shows the highest compressive strength was the addition of 36% vermiculite percentage of 33.16 MPa, followed by the addition of 24% vermiculite of 32.35 MPa, the addition of 12% vermiculite was 30.47 MPa, and the lowest compressive strength is the concrete without the addition of vermiculite which has 29.67 MPa strength. In addition, the greater the percentage of adding vermiculite to the concrete mixture, the lighter the weight of the concrete will be.

Experimental Study on Effect of Different Types of Mineral Admixture Used as supplement of cement

along with Exfoliated vermiculite as substitute to Fine aggregate or Click Here

Authors: M. Preethi, & Dr. Mohd. Hamraj.

Published in: Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023, 12 (Issue 1).

Abstract: Exfoliated vermiculite is inventive equivalent to fine aggregate generating towards unique light weight concrete with rise in characteristics of concrete when converged with traditional concrete, in this research analysis M30 grade contrasting form of concrete samples have been composed. Exfoliated Vermiculite is adapted as replacement to fine aggregate along with various admixtures of mineral being Fly ash, dolomite, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and Metakaolin as a fractional replacement for cement. Research has been done on the concrete's mechanical aspects. According to this study, replacing five to ten percent of fine aggregate with vermiculite improved the strength of all admixtures. All of the properties have enhance when 10% silica fume is used to replace cement; 10% Metakolin and 40% GGBS has shown greater compressive strength, and 30% dolomite has not shown any effect. The target strength was reached by replacing 20% of the cement with fly ash and 10% of the fine aggregate with vermiculite.

Continued on next page...

Feature Yourself in Lightweight News!

In future issues of TVA's Lightweight News newsletter, we want to highlight our amazing members. Spotlight your company and share your experience in the industry!

Do you want to be featured? Simply click the button below and fill out our interview survey. You can also include a headshot and/or your company logo, please email Communications Associate Matthew Zemba at commassoc@vermiculite.org. Click

as Assistant General Manager. It was here that I became fascinated with the production of vermiculite through two antiquated "Mantoc" furnaces, so to date, I have been involved with vermiculite for some 50 years!

Q: Tell us about your company and what you do in your current position.

A: I retired from Dupré in 2018; however, itchy feet and a realization that my life's work was my biggest interest, I decided to start my own consultancy business without great expectations, it has to be said. Within weeks I was called upon to advise a miner in China, a country that I know well. Then along came COVID, just three months after my return from Wuhan, of all places! Since then, the demand for my services has been a constant in my

Q: How long have you been a member TVA, and why did you join?

A: My membership with TVA goes way back, maybe over 40 years. I served a Director of TVA and often attended meetings. I joined TVA as vermiculite my focus at Dupré, and my vision was become totally immersed in vermiculite its applications. Joining TVA allowed me network with like-minded people.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your membership with TVA?

A: The newsletter and Mike Darling’s contribution is always a good read. The annual meetings are a highlight and are informative.

Q:

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike Darling

Experimental investigation and optimization of lightweight concrete bricks developed using vermiculite

Authors: Nakkeeran Ganasen, Alireza Bahrami, & Krishnaraj Loganathan.

Published in: Frontiers in Materials. February 24, 2023. Sec. Structural Materials, Volume 10.

Abstract: Concrete production requires a wealth of resources, including cement, aggregate, and water. Therefore, in terms of maintaining the Earth’s natural ecosystems and resources, researchers need to find sustainable and green methods for producing concrete. The focus of the current research was the use of potentially harmful alternative aggregates to manufacture lightweight concrete bricks. In this study, cement, fine aggregates, and vermiculite were the concrete brick mix components. Three trail mixes were followed by a replacement ratio of 60:40, 50:50, and 40:60 for fine aggregates in bricks. Statistical techniques were exerted to compare all the experimental results. Initially, regression analysis was employed to determine the precise relationship between the dependent and independent variables of the study. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the concrete brick was investigated. As a result of the research, vermiculite concrete bricks with the compressive strengths ranging from 3.2 to 5.9 N/ mm2 and densities ranging from 1,780 to 2,142 kg/m3 were obtained. The regression model captured the variability of the data, as evidenced by the suitable R2 threshold (R2 > 0.9935). Subsequently, every property of the concrete bricks was predicted using regression, surface plots, main plots, and a heat-map. The conclusion of the study demonstrated that the models generated very effective results.

Expanded Vermiculite: A Short Review about Its Production, Characteristics, and Effects on the Properties of Lightweight Mortars

Authors: Plínio Campos de Assis Neto, Leane Priscilla Bonfim Sales, Palloma Karolayne Santos Oliveira, Iranilza Costa da Silva, Ilana Maria da Silva Barros, Aline Figueiredo da Nóbrega, & Arnaldo Manoel Pereira Carneiro.

Published in: Buildings 2023, 13(3).

Abstract: Global temperatures have led to an increasing need for air conditioning systems. So, because of this fact, buildings have been improved in terms of their thermal and energy efficiency. Regarding this, the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15.575-4/2013 set minimum parameters for the thermal transmittance and thermal capacity of sealing elements, which allow classifying the thermal efficiency of the building. In order to comply with the requirements, the usage and study of lightweight construction materials have been in focus. An example of these materials is vermiculite. The present research reviewed articles about expanded vermiculite. The study involved the examination and comparison of various articles to analyze the properties of vermiculite and the impact of its usage on coating mortars. It was possible to verify that using vermiculite in mortars caused bad workability and a decrease in mechanical strength. However, the porosity and water absorption in mortars increased. Additionally, it reduced the specific weight and the thermal conductivity of the mortars, allowing for a better thermal insulation of the rooms. As an alternative to decreasing the negative effects of vermiculite, it is possible to use chemical admixtures, mineral additions, and mix design with a greater consumption of binder or a combination of particle sizes.

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike

Darling

Microwave Preparation of Expanded Vermiculite and Its Application in Building Energy Saving and Reducing CO2 Emission

Authors: Peng Huiyun, Chen Jiming, Luo Liming, Liu Haifeng, Huang Yuehua, Li Xiangjin, & Xi Yongguang.

Published in: Conservation and Utilization of Mineral Resources, 2022, 42(4).

Abstract: Based on the characteristics of rapid volume expansion caused by instantaneous vaporization of water molecules in vermiculite structural layer when exposed to heat, the industrial vermiculite was heated and expanded by microwave method and microwave chemical method to prepare expanded vermiculite with different particle sizes; The mechanical and thermal properties of expanded vermiculite/gypsum-based composite insulation board made by mold pressing and casting molding were studied; evaluate the energy-saving effect of expanded vermiculite thermal insulation material in building interior wall and thermal pipeline. The results show that The thermal insulation board made of expanded vermiculite prepared by microwave method as aggregate has lower density and thermal conductivity (0.082 W/(m·k)), and slightly higher moisture content; The density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength of expanded vermiculite/gypsum composite insulation board will decrease with the increase of expanded vermiculite sheet diameter; Under the condition that the average outdoor temperature in winter is 7 oC, the energysaving heat preservation template and pipeline heat-preservation template can save electricity by 20% stably, which have a broad application prospects in the field of building energy conservation.

Bonsai-inspired AIE nanohybrid photosensitizer based on vermiculite nanosheets for ferroptosis-assisted oxygen self-sufficient photodynamic cancer therapy or Click Here

Authors: Yu, Xinghua, Zhang, Ying-Chuan, Yang, Xing, Huang, Ziyang, Zhang, Tianfu, Yang, Liusi, Meng, Wenjing, Liu, Xiaotong, Gong, Ping, Forni, Alessandra, Zheng, Zheng, Liu, Bilu, Zhang, Pengfei, Cai, Lintao, & Tang, Benzhong.

Published in: Nano Today, Volume 44. June 2022.

Abstract: Oxygen-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment based on aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) photosensitizer shows limited efficiency in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome tumor hypoxia-induced PDT resistance, a bonsai-inspired oxygen self-sufficient photodynamic cancer therapeutic system was developed based on AIEgen/vermiculite nanohybrid. Ultrathin nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized by lithium-ion intercalation from potting soil vermiculite for AIEgen photosensitizer (DCPy) loading through electrostatic attraction to produce NSs@DCPy (nano bonsai). When NSs@DCPy was absorbed by hypoxic the tumor and exposed to white light radiation, the NSs@DCPy could not only produce 1O2 and·OH but also catalyze the H2O2 to generate O2 for alleviating hypoxia significantly improving PDT efficacy. Surprisingly, NSs@DCPy could induce ferroptosis of the tumor by iron overload and depleting glutathione (GSH). Therefore, we provide a bonsai-inspired AIEgen-vermiculite nanohybrid platform for ferroptosis-assisted oxygen self-sufficient photodynamic cancer therapy.

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike

Darling

Experimental Study on Effect of Different Types of Mineral Admixture Used as supplement of cement along with Exfoliated vermiculite as substitute to Fine aggregate or Click Here

Authors: M. Preethi, & Dr. Mohd. Hamraj.

Published in: Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023, 12 (Issue 1).

Abstract: Exfoliated vermiculite is inventive equivalent to fine aggregate generating towards unique light weight concrete with rise in characteristics of concrete when converged with traditional concrete, in this research analysis M30 grade contrasting form of concrete samples have been composed. Exfoliated Vermiculite is adapted as replacement to fine aggregate along with various admixtures of mineral being Fly ash, dolomite, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and Metakaolin as a fractional replacement for cement. Research has been done on the concrete's mechanical aspects. According to this study, replacing five to ten percent of fine aggregate with vermiculite improved the strength of all admixtures. All of the properties have enhance when 10% silica fume is used to replace cement; 10% Metakolin and 40% GGBS has shown greater compressive strength, and 30% dolomite has not shown any effect. The target strength was reached by replacing 20% of the cement with fly ash and 10% of the fine aggregate with vermiculite.

Construction and technical properties of vermiculite concrete and fibro vermiculite concrete with volcanic pumice under the influence of elevated temperatures

Authors: Khezhev, T. A, Khadzhishalapov, G. N, Zhurtov, A. V, Shogenova, F. M, & Kalazhokov, A. V.

Published in: Herald of Dagestan State Technical University. Technical Sciences, vol. 50. May 2023.

Abstract/Objective: Development of compositions of vermiculite concrete and fibro vermiculite concrete with volcanic pumice. Investigation of the construction and technical properties of the developed compositions of vermiculite concrete and fibro-vermiculite concrete with volcanic pumice under the influence of elevated temperatures. Method. Methods of increasing the fire resistance of reinforced concrete structures are considered. The research is aimed at the development of vermiculite concrete and fibro vermiculite concrete with volcanic pumice for fire protection of building structures and the manufacture of heat-resistant products and structures. To reduce the cost of vermiculite concrete, its partial replacement with volcanic pumice is proposed. For the study of vermiculite concrete with volcanic pumice reinforced with basalt fiber, a rotatable plan of the second order of the regular hexagon type was used. Result: Replacing a part of an expensive aggregate (expanded vermiculite) with pumice leads to a slight increase in the average density of the composite, while the bending and compressive strength increases. In addition, the heat-resistant properties of vermiculite concrete with pumice are increased. This is due to the fact that volcanic pumice, being a hydraulically active additive, is able to react hydration with cement components, eliminating the harmful effect of secondary hydration of free calcium oxide. The influence of the heating temperature on the change in the construction and technical properties of vermiculite concrete and fibrovermiculite concrete, including with the addition of pumice, has been studied. It was found that dispersed reinforcement with basalt fibers reduces shrinkage deformations, when heated to t = 800, the shrinkage decreases from 0.7 to 0.5% compared to the original concrete matrix. Conclusion. The dependence "compressive strength = f (average concrete density)" significantly depends on the presence and ratio of pumice in the composition of vermiculite concrete, while an increase in the holding temperature to 600 °C or 800 °C leads to a decrease in the compressive strength from 15 to 25%, and the main decrease occurs when heated to 600 °C, further the increase in temperature has a negligible effect. The dependence of the bending strength on the compressive strength is generally maintained regardless of the heating temperature, and the heating of concrete does not reduce the relative bending strength, i.e. the ratio of bending strength / compressive strength is not reduced. Dispersed fiber reinforcement increases the relative bending strength by about 70% regardless of the heating temperature.

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike

Darling

Development of energy-efficient hollow concrete blocks using perlite, vermiculite, volcanic scoria, and expanded polystyrene or Click Here

Authors: Saeed M. Al-Tarbi, Omar S. Baghabra AlAmoudi, Mohammed A. Al-Osta, Waleed A. Al-Awsh, M. Shameem, & Mohammad Sharif Zami.

Published in: Journal Construction and Building Materials. Volume 371. March 31, 2023.

Abstract: Sustainable development programs focus on reducing traditional energy usage and finding alternative energy sources. Thermal insulation materials can improve energy efficiency and reduce negative environmental impact, and be cost-effective by using low density, strong heat resistance, good thermal conductivity, and durability. Consequently, a novel arrangement of hollow concrete blocks was manufactured on-site in this research. In order to assess the commercial viability of these hollow concrete blocks, four distinct variants (perlite, vermiculite, scoria, and polystyrene) were investigated. Economic viability, fuel energy use, and CO2 emissions were also assessed using experimentally obtained thermal resistance. All the newly produced blocks have fulfilled the compressive strength and absorption criteria set by the standards for non-load-bearing blocks. The perlite and scoria blocks, with their respective lowest dry density of 1544 and 1673 kg/m3, qualified as lightweight concrete blocks. As a result, their thermal conductivity was over 60% lower than that of the commercially made blocks. In addition, the scoria block proved to be the most cost-effective option. When compared to a normal market block, the best scoria wall may enhance the heat resistance by 144%. In terms of the net present value (NPV) for 40 years, this solution cut energy consumption from 272 to 109 $/m2 (about a 150% reduction). As an additional benefit, constructing a wall out of scoria blocks resulted in a 2.4 and 1.15-fold decrease in CO2 emissions compared to conventional and control blocks. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the potential environmental benefits, such as saving natural resources, energy, and money by using these byproducts to make greener concrete masonry units.

2D Catalytic, Chemodynamic, and Ferroptotic Vermiculite Nanomedicine

Authors: Lifang Ma, Hui Huang, Wei Feng, Liang Chen, Lili Xia, Yongchun Yu, Jiayi Wang, & Yu Chen.

Published in: Advanced Functional Materials. October 11, 2022.

Abstract: The emerging chemodynamic therapy employs an iron-based catalytic Fenton reaction to transform less-reactive endogenous hydrogen peroxide within the tumor microenvironment (TME) into a highly toxic hydroxyl radical for killing cancer cells. However, the effective deployment of chemodynamic modality remains challenging, mired by a paucity of Fenton agents and overexpressed antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells. Herein, a clay-based 2D vermiculite nanosheet as a self-reinforcing chemodynamic nanoagent for efficient lung cancer treatment is engineered. The engineered 2D vermiculite nanosheets are not only biocompatible with normal cells but also capable of regulating the TME through depleting GSH, which ameliorates the antioxidant activity of cancer cells. Meanwhile, GSH consumption results in increased intracellular reactive oxygen species content and enhanced lipid peroxidation level, thus inducing ferroptosis and augmenting chemodynamic cell-killing efficacy. In particular, the ferrous oxidase hephaestin is the direct therapeutic target for 2D vermiculite nanosheets to fight against lung cancer cells.

Systematic in vivo evaluations on a xenografted tumor model verify the favorable biosafety and effective tumor suppression capacity of the engineered 2D vermiculite nanosheets-mediated chemodynamic tumor therapy by inducing desirable ferroptosis. Therefore, the developed vermiculite nanosheets represent the paradigm of 2D ferroptosis-inducing nanomedicine for synergistic and efficient cancer treatment.

Technical Papers

a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite by Mike Darling

Vermiculite as an Anti-Sag Additive for Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Authors: Salem Basfar; Ashraf Ahmed; Salaheldin Elkatatny & Badr Bageri.

Published in: Paper presented at the 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, June 26, 2022. Paper Number: ARMA-2022-0934.

Abstract: Barite is widely used as a weighing material since it has several advantages such as high specific gravity, readily accessible, and environmentally benign. Even though, several difficulties with barite particle settling particularly at high-pressure high-temperature drilling operations and removal efficiency necessitate further investigation. The utilization of magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate (vermiculite) with its ecofriendly effect was studied in this work as an additive for improving the drilling fluid characteristics. Variable concentration of vermiculite was added to the water-based mud (WBM) to address the static and dynamic sag tendencies at 250 and 120 °F, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of vermiculite on rheological characteristics and filtration performance was studied under HPHT circumstances. The sagging experiments showed that adding 4 lb/bbl vermiculite improved the WBM stability properties by increasing the suspension capacity of barite particles. Also, this amount of vermiculite significantly enhanced the rheological characteristics as the plastic viscosity to yield point ratio (YP/PV) was increased from 1.6 to 2.5. The HPHT filtration showed that 4 lb/bbl decreased the filter cake thickness by 37.5% and reduced the filtrated volume by 39%.

Physical and mechanical properties of expanded vermiculite (EV) embedded foam concrete subjected to elevated temperatures or Click Here

Authors: Jingbo Liu, Yan Zhuge, Xing Ma, Ming Liu, Yue Liu, Xuan Wu, & Haolan Xu.

Published in: Case Studies in Construction Materials. Volume 16, June 2022.

Abstract: Expanded vermiculite (EV) is an innovative alternative to conventional fire-resistance material due to exceptional thermal performance and non-combustible property. In this study, the effect of elevated temperatures on microstructure, mechanical and physical properties of foam concrete containing EV as lightweight aggregates (LWA) was investigated. Foam concrete samples with 10%, 15% and 20% EV as sand replacement were developed and exposed to 300 °C, 600 °C, and 900 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test was conducted to identify microstructure changes in the cement matrix and fine aggregates after elevated-temperature exposure. The enhanced close-fitted bond in the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of EV-based foam concrete was observed in SEM, which might be due to the higher water absorption of EV granules. Residual compressive and flexural strength, relative porosity and water sorptivity coefficient of foam concrete were also obtained. The 15% EV reduced compressive strength loss of samples by 1.84%, 11.68% and 69.1% at 300 °C, 600 °C and 900 °C, respectively, compared with that of the reference as 9.81%, 33.7%, and 72.28%, respectively. Enhanced sorptivity-related durability and lower residual porosity were also obtained at elevated temperatures when 15% EV was added.

What Emotional Connection Is and What It’s Not

by Jeff Tippett

Scott Edinger, founder of Edinger Consulting Group, said this about emotional connections:

“The ability to make an emotional connection is so often misunderstood because it’s not about being emotional or showing emotion. It’s about making a human connection –one person to another.”

We tend to think of emotional connections purely in the sense of familial or romantic relationships. But it’s important for a leader, in any setting, to be able to connect on a real, emotional level with those around them. For some people, connections come naturally; it’s at the core of who they are. But don’t fret if that doesn’t sound like you or your style. Like most of the traits we discuss, it can be learned.

Connecting with people is the very essence of effective leadership. It won’t be memos or emails that you send, or texts and phone calls about important projects. It’s the way you interact with people on a personal level that remains far after any of the ephemeral communications fade away.

Maya Angelou put it well: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That’s every bit as true in the business world as it is in the political realm. Save for a few famous ones that stand the test of time, a speech given by a politician will be forgotten

soon after it’s delivered. But the emotional connection conveyed – that endures.

The same is true in your own leadership role, no matter the level. Your team members won’t remember much of what you said in yesterday’s meeting, but you can be certain they’ll remember how you said it. If you establish yourself as trustworthy, and really get to know those around you, it’s going to make a huge difference in the way your operation runs.

This connection isn’t just important in terms of how you interact with people within your business or organization. Gallup conducted research to determine how consumers engage with businesses based on their emotional connection. The data is unsurprising: Those who were both extremely satisfied and emotionally connected to their grocery store were far likelier to spend more and spend often at the establishment. It isn’t enough to give people a satisfactory experience; they also need to feel a connection.

This is particularly true today, in a world consumed by electronics, social media and technology in general. These tools make getting your message to people far easier, but they also eliminate a level of human, emotional connection. With automation and artificial intelligence being introduced into new sectors, it’s important to focus on maintaining that emotional connection with those around you.

Edinger cites the importance of emotional connections as you climb the ranks of your business or organization:

“Leadership has everything to do with how you relate to others and the quality and texture of those relationships. The higher up you go in an organization, the less important your technical skills become and the more your interpersonal skills matter.”

It’s important for everyone, no matter how new or inexperienced, to feel a connection in the workplace. When you move into a management position, your role shifts. You must learn how to deal with people in their context, and an emotional connection with them makes that possible.

One study found that nearly 90 percent of organizations claim that engagement is a top priority, yet only 15 percent of employees say they actually feel engaged. This must mean that people claim to support emotional connections but fail to put that into practice. Redouble your efforts, and you’ll see your workplace succeed.

About the Author: Jeff Tippett

Jeff Tippett is the international best-selling author of two books, Pixels Are the New Ink and Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need.

Speaking to international audiences through keynotes

and seminars, Jeff helps attendees increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools to reach their goals, and empowers attendees to positively impact and grow their organizations or businesses.

Are You Blogging?

As you know, TVA launched a blog on its website to promote vermiculite and raise awareness of its uses.

We need your help to build this new resource. Have you written an article recently or have resources you can share that can be published on the blog?

We are looking for people to share:

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Horticulture

Industrial Best Practices

Health, Safety and Environmental Topics

If you have content that relates to these topics, please send articles and pictures to Michelle at communications@vermiculite.org

Check Out the Blog

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In 2014, Jeff founded Targeted Persuasion, an award-winning public affairs + communications firm. He has worked with renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation Voters, plus others. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work with numerous awards including the prestigious The American Advertising Award.

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Jeff is the host of Victory by Association with Jeff Tippett, a podcast that shares the victories of association executives with the world, highlighting the great work done across this country every day.

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Articles for Lightweight News

TVA is always looking for articles for this newsletter to keep its contents relevant for our members. Articles should range from 200 to 500 words, and photos are welcome. Articles can be about a unique project you’ve been involved with, your company’s community involvement, an industry hot topic, an honor or award—really, anything you think your fellow TVA members would want to read about.

Email articles to TVALightweightNews@gmail.com

Our Mission:

To be the leading vermiculite association in the world and to gather, develop and disseminate accurate and truthful information and regulations, form and encourage collaborations, provide services and promote best practices to members, fund development of new uses and technologies and promote the knowledge and safe use of vermiculite on a global scale.

Lightweight News is an e-publication of The Vermiculite Association. Material in this e-newsletter may be republished with permission of TVA and with proper line credit. Mention of commercial products in this publication is solely for information purposes, and endorsement is not intended by TVA. Material does not directly reflect the opinions or beliefs of the board or staff.

Additional Resources on the TVA Website

TVA’s website, www.vermiculite.org, contains a variety of resources, including these documents about vermiculite:

Vermiculite in the Construction Market

Horticultural Vermiculite

Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects

Crystal Structure of Magnesium Vermiculite

Peat-Lite

Vermiculite Concrete

Vermiculite Data

Vermiculite in the Industrial Sector

The Use of Vermiculite as a Technological Additive in Animal Feedstuffs

Vermiculite Gypsum Plasters

Contact Us:

THE VERMICULITE ASSOCIATION

2207 Forest Hills Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112

Phone: 717-238-9902

Fax: 717-238-9985

Website: www.vermiculite.org

Staff Contacts:

Executive Director: Lisa Ruggiers

tva@vermiculite.org

Director of Communications: Michelle Keyser

communications@vermiculite.org

TVA's staff wants you to get the most out of your experience with TVA. We are available to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact staff with any question or concern that you may have. For a full staff listing, please click here

Collaborating to promote vermiculite. Encouraging and promoting best practices. Dedicated to safety, integrity and honesty.