PERLITE - A NATURAL INSULATING MATERIAL
The starting material in the production of perlite is a glass-like volcanic stone with many microscopic water droplets enclosed in it. This product was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions in the aquatic environment. The released water vapour was trapped in a rapidly congealing lava (water is a natural production medium). Deposits of raw material are self-renewable due to continuous volcanic eruptions. The process of extraction of perlite is relatively simple and does not cause damage to the environment.
Thanks to an energy-saving thermal process, this granular stone becomes plastic and liquid (blown glass), and the water evaporating from it during this time causes foaming, increasing its volume. When the water vapor escapes, numerous air pores are formed. In a properly conducted cooling process, this porous glass mass freezes (internal and surface structure). During this process, as well as partly in post-production processes, the final properties of the product (hardness, internal structure, hygroscopic properties, strength, etc.) are formed.
This highly specialized expansion process is called: the Europerl®-proces. It is an environmentally friendly, purely physical cycle, therefore, no waste and harmful substances, vapours, fibres, etc.are generated during the process.