Vermiculite as a construction material - A short guide for Civil Engineer

Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral with a shiny flakes which is one member of the phyllosilicate group. It can be expanded up to 30 times its original volume when heated at 650-950 °C. The expanded vermiculite (EV) exhibits prospective properties such as low thermal conductivity, low bulk density, endurance, chemical inertness and relatively high melting point. EV has many applications in the field of civil engineering, chemical industry and agriculture. EV in civil engineering field deals some potential advantages and some disadvantages. In this overview, the author summarizes the previous studies regarding to using EV as a construction material in traditional cementitious materials, geopolymers and other binders. In addition, different additives which employed to modify some properties of EV matrices were summarized.