VERMICULITE
DOCTO-LITE
DOCTO-LITE Vermiculite is a mica-like special mineral (Iron magnesium aluminum silicate) which expands around 15 times in volume by popping effect when heated to 1,600 oF. The result of expansion enhances the substance's moisture absorption and water retention capabilities as well as allows free air passage i.e. the vital aeration to the roots of the plant.
The long life inorganic material is clean, odorless and lightweight. It is free of pathogens, weeds, diseases. Its high cationic exchange feature provides controlled fertilizer uptake to the plant and regulates the pH of growing medium. Neutral in reaction and insoluble in water it is able to absorb large quantities of water. It can be mixed with low pH components like peat moss and is compatible with fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Features like water retention and aeration makes vermiculate a catalyst for rapid germination of seeds and the nutrient support the fast growth of the plant. That makes it a common ingredient in potting media. One of the most important combinations is vermiculite with sphagnum peat moss.
Features
- Inorganic and does not deteriorate. Last for over 20 years
- Exhibits excellent water retention
- Improves aeration of soil of soil
- Has a pH of 6.0 - 7.0
- high cationic exchange capacity
- Has available plant nutrient
- Sterile locally exfoliated at 1600oF
- Free from weeds and diseases
- Serves as an effective insulator to reduce soil temperature
- Clean, odorless, lightweight, easy and safe to handle.
Applications
Seeds raising;
- DOCTO-LITE accelerate germination and improves growth. It can be used for large and medium size and fine seeds
Planting trees and shrubs;
- Increases water holding capacity and aeration. It is suitable for most trees and shrubs.
Hydroponics;
- Sterile, lightweight aggregate is ideal for hydroponics.
Rooting cuttings;
- Speeds up rooting and provides an optimum balance of air and water. It is recommended for very fine cuttings.
Potting compost;
- Its mixture with other components and nutrients is suitable for most potting and container composts. It improves aeration, drainage, insulation and facilities rewetting.
Soil conditioning and turf dressing;
- Improves texture of heavy soils by increasing aeration and drainage. DOCTO-LITE is suitable for most soil conditioning applications.
| DOCTO-LITE |
Chemical Analysis |
|
SiO2 |
38% - 46% |
|
MgO |
15% - 30% |
|
Al2O3 |
5% - 16% |
|
Fe2O3 |
4% - 12% |
|
K2O |
2% - 6% |
|
CaO |
0,5% - 3% |
|
TiO2 |
0,7% - 3% |
|
MnO |
0,01% - 2% |
|
Cr2O3 |
0,03% - 2% |
|
Na2O |
0,1% - 1% |
| DOCTO-LITE |
Physical Properties |
| Color |
Gold |
| Size |
0,1mm - 5mm |
| PH (1:2.5) 25 Co |
6 – 9 |
| Water Retention |
20% - 45% |
| Air Porosity |
25% - 50% |
| Cationic Exchange Capacity (me/100g) |
8 - 15 |
Industrial Applications
- Building and construction (renovation & new)
- Light concrete
- acoustic and thermal insulation
- incombustible (A1)
- Packaging and Absorption
- Passive Fireprotection
- Others like animal feeding systems, substrates, additives for paints, glues, plasters and aromatic carriers.