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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWSTHE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE VERMICULITE ASSOCIATION
Collaborating to promote vermiculite. Encouraging and promoting best practices. Dedicated to integrity and honesty.
SPRING 2016
Save the Date for TVA's 2016 Annual MeetingJune 16-18, Amsterdam, NetherlandsThe Vermiculite Association’s Annual Meeting in June will be held in Amsterdam in conjunction with GreenTech 2016, the global meeting place for horticulture technology professionals. In addition to industry networking, this year’s Annual Meeting features the following:
• Vermiculite: What A Mixture
• Vertical Farming and Vermiculite
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and GHS Hazard Inversion
• ChemSEM: Eliminating Vermiculite Interference from Asbestos Analysis
• Dry Bulk Cargo Handling in the Port of Amsterdam
• Compact Exfoliate Vermiculite Machine
• Best Practices
• The TORBED Vermiculite Exfoliation Process
• Wageningen University Experimental Glass House Tour and Nursery Van der Lugt BV Tour
Registration and cancellation deadline is June 3. Click here for the attendee brochure and registration form.If you have any questions, contact Lori Zelesko, TVA’s Director of Conference and Events, at [email protected].
Read more about these presentations on page 2.
GreenTech is the global meeting place for all professionals involved in horticulture technology in RAI Amsterdam. The 2016 edition features 350-plus international exhibitors, including the market leaders of four connected themes – crops, water, energy and bio-based – and a vertical farming pavilion and demo area for heavy equipment and machinery.
TVA is exhibiting at GreenTech. Plan to attend and visit our stand (08.100) in Hall 8.
Exhibition hours:Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Wednesday, June 15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Thursday, June 16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Click here to sign up to volunteer at the booth.
More about GreenTech 2016
Reminder: All attendees are responsible for making their own room reservations.
All meeting events and transportation are centered around the official host hotel, the Park Hotel. Located next to the Leidse Square, the Museum Square, the shopping district of P.C. Hooftstraat and Vondelpark, the hotel offers the perfect location for your stay in Amsterdam.
Park HotelStadhouderskade 251071 ZD AmsterdamThe NetherlandsT +31 (0)20 671 [email protected]
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Educational Opportunities at the TVA Annual Meeting in Amsterdam
Friday, June 17 Vermiculite: What a MixtureProf. Stephen Hillier of the James Hutton Institute will describe the adventure to elucidate the mechanism of exfoliation of vermiculite and provide a perspective on vermiculite’s origins and benefits in soils.
The TORBED Vermiculite Exfoliation ProcessMartin A. Groszek of Torftech Group will provide an overview, current applications and details on how the TORBED furnace system operates and how a complete plant installation may be configured.
Vertical Farming and Vermiculite: Looking to the FutureVertical farming is the use of hydroponic methods in a three-dimensional space either through layers or vertical orientation of growing methods. In this session, Andrew Carter of the Association of Vertical Farming (AVF) will provide a brief overview of the vertical farming industry and how TVA and AVF can collaborate.
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and GHS Hazard InversionIn 2003, the United Nations adopted a Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS), which requires that manufacturers and distributors operating in the United States brand their products according to the GHS system of hazard classification using predetermined cut-off concentrations. Products, formerly distributed as nonhazardous, are now reclassified as a hazardous material. Join Don Ewert, IH, of RJ Lee Group, Inc., as he describes the process of real-world reclassification for mineral products and gives producers the information they need to achieve GHS hazard inversion on their own.
ChemSEM: Eliminating Vermiculite Interference from Asbestos AnalysisThis discussion led by Dr. Bryan R. Bandli of RJ Lee Group, Inc., focuses on recent improvements in the analytical capabilities available for asbestos. The development of a new technique for accurately quantifying the asbestiform mineral content of vermiculite containing materials will be explored. The session will also provide background in vermiculite mining and give an overview of the methods currently employed for determining the asbestos type and percentage in vermiculite-containing products worldwide.
Other Presentations• Compact Exfoliate Vermiculite Machine,
Refael Dayan, Green 2000
• Dry Bulk Cargo Handling in the Port of Amsterdam, Marcel Gorris, Port of Amsterdam
• Best Practices, John Addison
Rijksmuseum tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The most famous masterpiece is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch.”Van Gogh Museum features the world’s largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.Pianobar Maxim is a classic piano bar with live entertainment.Context Amsterdam Tours cover the history and architecture of Amsterdam, including topics such as the Dutch Golden Age, Jews in Amsterdam and a tour of the Rijksmuseum. Tours are led by local scholars for a group of up to six.Concertgebouw is one of the world’s most famous concert halls, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Behind-the-scenes tours provide a look into the concert hall’s rich history.
Get to Know Amsterdam
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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
Saturday, June 18 Wageningen University Experimental Glass House TourWageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture develops new sustainable concepts for crop production, as well as innovative technologies for greenhouse construction, climate control, energy-saving and efficient-energy conversion. Dr. Wim Voogt will provide a short introduction into soilless culture and hydroponics, the necessity of high-porous media and the effect of vermiculite as germination substrate and potting soil amendment.
Nursery Van der Lugt BV TourNursery Van der Lugt BV is a family business founded in 1920 that has traditionally specialized in the cultivation of young vegetable plants for professional vegetable growers.
2015-2016 TVA Board of Directors
PresidentDamien McDermottIsolatek InternationalStanhope, [email protected]
Vice PresidentSandi DelarmPalabora AmericaKennesaw, [email protected]
Secretary-TreasurerAndréa TurquinoBrasil MineriosGoiania, Brazil+62 3096 [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentKathryn LouisSun Gro HorticultureCanada LtdAgawam, [email protected]
Directors 2014-2016Andrew BaylayDupre MineralsStaffordshire, UK44 (0) 1782 [email protected]
Jim JuronCGC CometalsFort Lee, [email protected]
Directors 2014-2017Donna Frassrand ChatfieldSpecialty VermiculiteCorporationLilburn, [email protected]
Jinyao LiDFL Minmet Refractories Corp.Shi Jiazhuang, China+86 311 8779 [email protected]
Dan MetzVirginia VermiculiteLouisa, [email protected]
Directors 2015-2018Jerry AustinJ.P. Austin Associates Inc.Beaver Falls, [email protected]
Corrine LeroySopremaStrasbourg Cedex, France03 88 79 85 [email protected]
Jeffrey SheehyWhittemore Co. Inc.Lawrence, [email protected]
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First Membership Increase in Three Years ApprovedThe benefits of membership are manyby Damien A. McDermott
Thanks are due to The Vermiculite Association Board of Directors and membership for approving the first membership increase in three years, for year June 2016 through June 2017. THANK YOU!
Free access to a world-classtechnical consultantMike Darling has served as TVA’s technical consultant for the last two years. In addition, Mike promotes vermiculite to potential customers and has made himself available to answer questions from members. This service allows you to more effectively and efficiently run your business. Mike also writes helpful and informative articles for this newsletter, which is only distributed to TVA members.
More active promotion of the benefits of vermiculite via trade showsTVA has expended resources to promote vermiculite at world-class construction and horticultural shows in Europe. This helps your bottom line as we promote the many beneficial uses of vermiculite to these trade show attendees.
New and revised websiteThe new website includes enhanced functionality and design for the the end-user. The search function to find members was improved for accuracy, and member information was incorporated into the search function. In addition, the new website allows members to update their own information and use this service as a marketing tool for their company.
Improved annual conferenceTVA now holds one international annual conference to bring you top-notch speakers, educational topics and networking opportunities. Tours are also on the agenda. You do not want to miss this annual opportunity to network with your peers.
Among the benefits of both having and belonging to TVA:
The industry as a whole needs your continued support and membership. Please remain an active member and come to our meetings.
I hope to see you in Amsterdam June 16-18 at our Annual General Meeting and at the GreenTech 2016 trade show.
A campaign to lobby and address issues with the EPA in the U.S.This campaign culminated in a positive audience with top EPA representatives, who were mostly sympathetic to the vermiculite industry point of view.
Member spotlights in the quarterly newsletterMembers have the ability to submit information about their company for maximum exposure through a member spotlight and news, which appears in this publication, Lightweight News.
Technical informationTVA continues to look at ways to provide members with updated studies, best practices to follow and information on how to better run your business. Most recently, our friend and consultant Eric Chatfield attended the 2016 A. W. Beard Conference and provided a summary of this EPA-sponsored event. His summary is available to members via our website.
And lastly, but not least, international exposureWe are a small but effective group from all parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. We are able to compare, contrast, assist each other and weather many changes.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
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Now that TVA is well on track for the upcoming Annual Meeting to be held in Amsterdam June 16-18, you may be interested in visiting our exhibit at GreenTech (Hall 8, Stand 08.100) at the RAI Centre in Amsterdam ahead of the TVA meeting.
GreenTech is an international horticultural exhibition show with a clear focus on technology and innovation. Concentrating on new developments in cultivation and the “beginning of the chain,” the event takes place every two years at RAI Amsterdam, and it fills the void left by the demise of HortiFair in 2012.
GreenTech has been created in close collaboration with the industry, sector organizations and market leaders to deliver a highly relevant event for the international horticultural industry. Targeting international growers and breeders, the event provides access to everything they need to grow and optimize their production. In addition, extensive seminar programming will introduce the latest innovations and horticultural technology and knowledge.
Professor Stephen Hillier of the James Hutton Institute in Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, is one of the featured speakers. I thought an abstract of one of his papers (see box on this page) may well get you in the mood for our meeting.
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
The latest news, observations and insights into the world of vermiculiteby Mike Darling
The Exfoliation of Vermiculiteby S. Hillier, E. M. M. Marwa and C. M. Rice
Abstract: Six samples of vermiculite have been studied to investigate the mechanism of its well-known but poorly understood property to exfoliate. The samples were analyzed quantitatively by XRD to determine their precise mineralogical composition. Electron microprobe methods, including elemental mapping of native potassium and of caesium (introduced by cation exchange), were used to examine variation in the chemical composition of the particles.
Most of the samples examined show heterogeneous mineralogical compositions, which occur as distinct zones within the volume of individual particles, presenting a mosaic texture. Exfoliation is related to this mosaic distribution of the different mineral phases within the particles. Lateral-phase boundaries between vermiculite and mica layers, or vermiculite and chlorite layers, are postulated to prevent or impede the escape of gas from a particle, resulting in exfoliation when the pressure exceeds the interlayer bonding forces that hold the layers together.
This mechanism provides a common explanation for the exfoliation of vermiculite by thermal methods or by treatment with H2O2. Paradoxically, one sample, which consists of pure vermiculite in the mineralogical sense of the term, demonstrates that pure vermiculite does not and should not exhibit the property of exfoliation. Our explanation of the mechanism of exfoliation explains the commonly observed particle-size dependence of exfoliation and the tendency for obviously poly-phase vermiculite samples to show the largest coefficients of expansion.
Click here to learn more.
FROM THE DESK OF TVA’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPOKESPERSON
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Vermiculite Mining News
FROM THE DESK OF TVA’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPOKESPERSON
Uganda:
Black Mountain Resources will acquire African Phosphate’s interest in Namakera Mining Company, owner and operator of the Namakera vermiculite mine and Busumbu phosphate project in Uganda. The African Development Bank forecasts the African fertilizer sector to increase to U.S. $500 billion in value over the next five years.
Black Mountain said the vermiculite asset was capable of supporting a low-cost, long-life mining operation with immediate production and cash flow to provide expansion opportunities. Namakera is a fully permitted operational mine with approvals to sell its premium large and medium and fine and superfine vermiculite flake to regional and the international export markets.
The mine is located in Eastern Uganda, 190 kilometers from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and close to the border with Kenya where there is favorable transport logistics. It is a former Rio Tinto asset that is considered to be the world’s largest vermiculite deposit. The mine has inferred resources of 57.4Mt at 26.7 percent vermiculite (>18mm) as delineated by Gulf Industrials in 2009.
The acquisition would include the existing mining and exploration licenses, all mining equipment, a processing plant, power generator, mine office and all associated site infrastructure and equipment. The company would undertake a $2.5 million capital raising and complete a bankable feasibility study in 2016, targeting an increase in vermiculite sales to 80,000tpa, while negotiating new marketing and off-take agreements to expand both export and regional vermiculite sales to +80,000tpa.
Germany:
While on the subject of Uganda, we have recently seen a resurgence of activity from BTHS in Hamburg, Germany, who was a trader and distributor of Uganda vermiculite back in the days before RioTinto got involved in this deposit and long before Gulf Resources were involved in it.
Dieter Pabst of BTHS has been busy touting round the TVA members listed on our website and offering Uganda vermiculite again. I contacted Dieter to ask him if they are sole traders or just European traders. Dieter recently replied, “We are representing Uganda, and we are working very close together with the former Managing Director of Namekara, Mr. Hans Hansen. We are in contact with users all over the world.”
I could not find out much from the BTHS website except for some contact information. They seem to deal and trade with a variety of mineral, metal, scrap metal and seafood products.
Ontario:
A former vermiculite-processing mill in Matheson in northern Ontario, Canada, is getting new life as a graphite-processing facility with Great Lakes Graphite. The mill, which had been “shuttered” for about 15 years, was once owned by Hedman Resources, a Toronto exploration and mining firm, which aspired to process vermiculite and other agriculture-related minerals in the early 2000s. That company was never able to source any supply, and the mill was closed soon after it was commissioned.
Click here to see more. Continued on page 7...
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
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Vermiculite Mining News
FROM THE DESK OF TVA’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPOKESPERSON
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
Montana:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its final remedial plans for the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, bringing closure to the largest, longest-running asbestos cleanup project in American history.
The EPA project began almost 17 years ago in Montana, stemming from seven decades of vermiculite mining that led to toxic asbestos contamination throughout Libby and nearby Troy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision revealed what most people more or less expected: the cleanup of about 300 remaining properties will continue for another two to three years. After that, the federal agency will pull up stakes and oversight, and the area will be put on a kind of autopilot with “institutional controls.”
Click here or here to learn more.
Compression Tests of Vermiculite Mortars in Structures and Materials LabEvery now and again, I find an old photo on the internet that features vermiculite or vermiculite products. I thought this one, which cropped up the other day from North Caroline State University, was a rather nice one.
Credit: NCSU Libraries’ Digital Collections: Rare and Unique Materials (Mann Hall, Raleigh, N.C.) Click here to see more.
World of Concrete Following our participation at Intermat in Paris in April 2015, we are now included on announcements of other events at this venue.
The World of Concrete will be held at the Palais des Congrés in Paris Sept. 6-7, 2016.
Click here for more information.
Vermiculite Producers and Products News
Perlite Canada: Industrial Minerals magazine appears to keep up with developments with our former member Perlite Canada, and the most recent brief update is reproduced below:
Perlite Canada swings to loss in 2015 despite 5 percent sales increase. The Quebec-based processor and distributor of perlite and vermiculite products for horticultural uses blamed currency movements for its decline in earnings and said it would look at adjusting its prices this year in order to recoup profits.
Click here to read more.
Vermiculite Poland:
Vermiculite Poland Sp. z oo has changed its address and is now at ul. Silver 8, 19 - 300 E wit k, REGON: 362462119, Poland. You can find out more at http://vermiculite.pl/. The company has posted a YouTube video, which features them packing vermiculite into retail-size bags of between 4 and 24 liters. The machinery looks very new. Click here to view this video.
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FIPRO has been used on board the Queen Mary 2, AIDA, British Columbia Ferries, MSC Cruise Vessels, Celebrity Cruise Vessels, Baltic Queen and Baltic Princess.
FROM THE DESK OF TVA’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPOKESPERSON
Vermiculite Producers and Products News
Perlite and Vermiculite Market 2016 Analysis and ForecastThe market report, “Perlite and Vermiculite Market 2016,” shows analytical research conducted by QY Market Research study based on the perlite and vermiculite market, which analyzes the competitive framework of the perlite and vermiculite industry worldwide. The perlite and vermiculite industrial chain, existing policies, and rules and regulations are studied in this report along with key manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, products, perlite and vermiculite market price structures and revenue. Click here for more information.
FIPRO Non-Combustible Panels and Finished Elements for Ship Interiors:
PittMoss:
This “new” product caught my eye recently, and I thought it worth sharing especially as vermiculite is commonly used in combination with peat and peat substitutes in growing media and potting soils.
PittMoss is a mix of proprietary additives and recycled paper rescued from dwindling landfill space. Each plant grown in PittMoss reduces reliance on the million tons of sphagnum peat moss imported to the United States each year. PittMoss claims to have 0 percent wetting agent, lime additive, fungicide and insecticide and be 100 percent “environmentally sustainable.”
If, like me, you wondered where the name came from, this snippet helps to explain. Click here to find out more about this product, which was featured on an episode last year of the U.S. TV show, “Shark Tank.”
TVA member Mineralka in Slovenia is of course an operating company of the Techno-Physik group of companies. Their product FIPRO boards are made from vermiculite (aluminum-iron-magnesium-silicate), a natural inorganic mineral belonging to the mica-minerals group, which expands with application of heat.
FIPRO AG (stands for Fire Protection) acts as the Techno-Physik Group’s marketing and sales organization for “preventive fire protection–fireproof elements” in the building construction and shipbuilding industries. FIPRO is the market leader for the supply of interior non-combustible panels and various decorative elements on board of all types of vessels as well as platforms worldwide in public spaces.
Click here for more information.
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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
FROM THE DESK OF TVA’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPOKESPERSON
Vermiculite Producers and Products News
Large king ragworms in vermiculite.
A metal button is fired using a gas-fired torch and vermiculite on top of what looks like a piece of calcium silicate insulation board, which may also have some vermiculite in its formulation.
King ragworms:
Ragworms are a common type of bait used by fishermen, especially in the United Kingdom and presumably elsewhere. It is not uncommon to see fishing bait used by sea anglers packed in damp vermiculite.
Although there are several different kinds of ragworm, the most common and the most popular to use as bait is the king ragworm (scientific name: Alitta virens, previously Nereis virens). Ranging in color from reddish brown to black, ragworms have hundreds of small legs running down the side of their body and are armed with pincers capable of giving a painful nip to an unwary angler. The smallest ragworm likely to be useful as bait is 4 to 5 inches long, but specimens up to 18 inches long are not uncommon, and ragworms can grow up to 2 feet in length.
Ragworm is top bait when targeting cod, whiting, coalfish, pollack, wrasse and all species of flatfish. In fact, most fish found around the British Isles will take ragworm, and highly sought-after fish such as bass can be caught on ragworm in the right conditions.
Ragworms will keep for several days if you keep them in sawdust, peat or vermiculite, wrap them in newspaper and place them in the refrigerator. For more information please see: http://britishseafishing.co.uk/ragworm/.
Precious metal class buttons:
Precious metal clay as produced by the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation consists of very fine, uniformly arranged silver particles that can be fired at temperatures between 600 and 900 degrees Celsius. Vermiculite is used as an insulator when making these precious metal clay (PMC) buttons.
The clay can be easily fashioned into artworks of unique designs, and firing gives the artwork excellent strength and luster. Because the clay can be fired at a wide range of temperatures, artworks are easy to create without an electric kiln or oven; buttons can be made in small pans (a gas range is used as the heat source) or with a Bunsen burner. Click here for more information.
Canned Herbs:
This is a novel way of growing your own herbs at home. All it seems to entail is buying one of these canned kits containing vermiculite and following the instructions. It is definitely one of the more bizarre uses of vermiculite but one that merits a look. Click here to find out more.
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by Mike DarlingSee www.vermiculite.org for abstracts and more details about these papers.
Effects of Vermiculite on the Tribological Behavior of PI-Matrix Friction MaterialsMaterials Science and Engineering, Volume 87, Conference 1
Effects of vermiculite as a friction modifier on brake friction performance of PI-matrix materials were tested.
Vermiculite with Ag and Cu Used as an Antibacterial Nanofiller in PolyethyleneGeoScience Engineering, Volume 60, Issue 3, pp. 28–36, December 2014
Vermiculite enriched with silver and copper was used as nanofiller to a polyethylene matrix.
TECHNICAL PAPERS a listing of literature about the use of vermiculite
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Organic Intercalation of StructureModified VermiculiteJ Colloid Interface Sci., Nov. 1, 2015; 457: 264-71. E-pub: July 14, 2015.
The experiment used cationic surfactants of different chain lengths to intercalate structure modified vermiculites. The influences of structure modification, chain length and dosage of surfactants on the intercalation behavior of vermiculites were studied, and intercalation mechanism and features of interlayer chemical reactions were discussed.
Renew Your Membership by May 31TVA members have the opportunity to renew their dues and pay for two years of membership at the existing dues rate. Renewals are due by May 31. If you elect to take advantage of this renewal opportunity at existing rates, your membership will span from June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2018.
You should have received your membership renewal notice from TVA headquarters in the mail. However, members may remit their company’s dues through the TVA website, www.vermiculite.org, in just a few easy steps:
Click here and select your level of membership.
Click “view cart” and proceed to checkout. NOTE: To take advantage of the optional two-year membership offering, add two memberships to your cart at checkout.
Enter the required billing information and click “submit.”
If you have any questions regarding membership renewal, please contact Angela Burkett at 717-238-9902 or [email protected].
Member BenefitsAsbestos and Fibrous Minerals Analysis and Research Report A report from the ASTM Michael E. Beard Conference: Asbestos and Fibrous Minerals Analysis and Research is now available in the members-only area of TVA’s website, www.vermiculite.org. Click here to access the report directly.
We hope you like this TVA member benefit being made available to you. Remember, your membership in TVA allows you to receive important information like this and keep up-to-date on industry information. Thank you for your continued support.
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LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
Polyurethane/Organic Vermiculite Composites with Enhanced Mechanical PropertiesJournal of Applied Polymer Science, Dec. 6, 2015
A series of polyurethane/organic vermiculite composites are prepared by intercalating polymerization.
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Acid-Treated Vermiculites Vibrational Spectroscopy, 2014, Vol. 70, pp. 63-69
Differently acidified vermiculite samples were prepared from the natural vermiculite sample using different concentrations of hydrochloric acid (0.5 M and 1 M) and different reaction time (two-hour and four-hour) at 80 degrees C.
Self-Assembled Two-Dimensional Nanofluidic Proton Channels with High-Thermal Stability*Nature Communications 6, July 13, 2015
This study reports self-assembled clay-based 2D nanofluidic channels with surface charge-governed proton conductivity. Vermiculite nanochannels exhibit extraordinary thermal stability, maintaining their proton conduction functions even after annealing at 500 degrees C in air.*Of interest to TVA members is the separate link to Figure 1 – Exfoliation of vermiculite crystals and resulting dispersions of few-layer flakes.
TECHNICAL PAPERS Continued from page 10...
Investigation of Key Parameters of Rock Cracking Using the Expansion of Vermiculite MaterialsMaterials 2015, 8 (10), 6950-6961, Oct. 12, 2015
A vibration-free (and explosion-free) excavation method is attracting attention in the construction site as residents in cities rise and demand for development of underground spaces increases. This study verified that vermiculite expanded by heat can provide enough internal pressure to break hard rock during tunneling work.
Radioactive Cesium Adsorbed onto Vermiculite and BiotiteTOPICS Fukushima, No. 58, Jan. 26, 2015
The research group of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and collaborators have found that radioactive cesium tends to be adsorbed onto vermiculite. Vermiculite is one of the clay minerals that commonly occurs in Fukushima Prefecture and is well known as soil amendment material for gardening. Development of decontamination method based on these results is expected to contribute to the purification or volume reduction of contaminated soil in Fukushima.
Some more background on the research into decontamination following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 can be found below:
• Collective Structural Changes in Vermiculite Clay Suspensions Induced by Cesium Ions Scientific Reports, Oct. 10, 2014
• Fundamental Approaches Toward Development of Radiocesium Removal Methods from Soil and the Other Related Materials, Waste Reduction and Management Optimization
In discussing the vermiculite occurrences in Fukushima Prefecture, the following historic paper may be of interest:
• Vermiculite from Ononii-Machi, Fukushima Prefecture, The Journal of the Japanese Association of Mineralogists, Petrologists and Economic Geologists, Vol. 39 (1955)
Join TVA on Social MediaStay on top of the latest TVA news and comments.
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Vermiculite Board Surface Treatment and Surface Treatment Apparatus and Method of the Vermiculite Board Korean Patent: KR20150139738 (A) Applicant(s): Not listedPublished: Dec. 14, 2015
Insulating Lightweight Product Blended Ground Granulated Blast Slag and Expanded Vermiculite Aggregate and Method for Manufacturing Thereof Korean Patent: KR101565698 (B1)Applicants(s): Not listedDate: Nov. 4, 2015
Vermiculite Roof TilesIndian Patent: IN3405CH2015 (A)Applicant(s): Tamil Nadu Minerals Ltd (India) Date: July 31, 2015
Vermiculite-Containing Adhesive CompositionsWorld Patent: WO2015164093 (A1)Applicant(s): Nanopack Inc. (USA)Date: Oct. 29, 2015
Antimicrobial Exfoliated Vermiculite Composite Material and Methods for Preparing the Same U.S. Patent: 9150453 (B1)Applicant(s): Li Bowen and Hwang Jiann-Yang (USA) Date: Oct. 6, 2015
Composite Modified Vermiculite Carbonized Foamed Phenolic Resin Heat Insulating Material for Exhaust Pipe of Forklift Engine and Preparation Method ThereofChinese Patent: CN104893235 (A) Applicant(s): Hefei Hean Machinery Manufacturing Co. (China)Date: Sept. 9, 2015
Preparation Method of Silastic/ Vermiculite Compound Material and Silastic/Vermiculite Compound Material Prepared by Preparation Method Chinese Patent: CN104804440 (A)Applicant(s): University of Zhengzhou Light Ind. (China) Date: July 29, 2015
Rapid Determination Method for Content of Four Kinds of Oxides in VermiculiteChinese Patent: CN104931486 (A) Applicant(s): Wuhan Iron & Steel Group Corp. (China)Date: Sept. 23, 2015
Modified Vermiculite Mercury Removal Adsorbent, Preparation Method and Application Thereof Chinese Patent: CN104888717 (A) Applicant(s): University of Shihezi (China) Date: Sept. 9, 2015
Preparation Method of Vermiculite Loaded With Magnetic Nano-Materials Chinese Patent: CN104874382 (A) Applicant(s): University of Jinan (China) Date: Sept. 2, 2015
Vermiculite Surface In-situ Growth Hydrotalcite Material and Preparation Method Thereof Chinese Patent: CN104857927 (A) Applicant(s): University of Beijing (Chemical) China Date: Aug. 26, 2015
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber and Expanded Vermiculite Composite Materials and Production Method Thereof Chinese Patent: CN104861233 (A)Applicant(s): Anhui Tongfeng Rubber & Plastic Industries Co. Ltd (China)Date: Aug. 26, 2015
High-Activity Vermiculite/Carbon Nanotube Composite Adsorption Filtering Agent and Preparation Method Thereof Chinese Patent: CN104841371 (A) Applicant(s): Anhui Phoenix Filter Co. Ltd (China) Date: Aug. 19, 2015
Vermiculite Wall Paper Chinese Patent: CN204510694 (U)Applicant(s): Shaoxing Aierfa Decorative Fabric Art Co. Ltd (China)Date: July 29, 2015
by Mike DarlingSee www.vermiculite.org for abstracts and more details about these papers.
PENDING PATENTS a list of some recent patent applications related to the use of vermiculite
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TVA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Micronized UltraTechThe Micronized UltraTech product line has been a leader in organic and horticultural vermiculite and perlite products for the last 20 years. The company also supplies non-consumable sectors such as thermal insulation and coatings.
Micronized UltraTech was first established in Richmond, California, in 1986 by Dr. Weissenberg, who graduated from Darmstadt Technological University in Germany with a doctorate in chemistry and engineering and settled in northern California to develop a company that could delivery top-quality vermiculite with the best exfoliation rate.
The company’s crude vermiculite concentrate comes to the United States through the Oakland port in standard 20-foot ISO shipping containers of 20 metric ton capacity. The containers are trucked to the factory, where the crude vermiculite is prescreened ahead of the exfoliation process to ensure it meets the high quality that customers demand.
Micronized UltraTech meets its customer demands using Chinese, Australian and African sourced vermiculite concentrates. The company is affiliated with the Micronized group in South Africa and has strong industry links with the Perlite Institute. The Vermiculite Association now welcomes them to its membership. Click here to learn more.
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
The Grace Management GroupThe Grace Management Group of Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the United States is the parent company of four different candle and home fragrance divisions: Votivo, Bridgewater Candles, Greenleaf Gifts and the Willowbrook Company. Grace Direct is the corporate sales arm of a group that has been a leader in the fragrance industry for more than 30 years. Just recently, Heartstrings, a leading manufacturer of personalized jewelery, gifts and fashion accessories, was added to the family of brands.
The Fresh Scents division of the company is the partnership that helps to bring the Grace Management Group to TVA’s website. Click here to learn how the original envelope sachet fragrance was conceived.
Since 1975, the Grace Management Group has refined its expertise in fragrance, color, product formulation, packaging and trends to transform into one of the largest home fragrance manufacturers in the United States. Still family-owned and operated, the Grace Management brands have blossomed into international players, with products sold in more than 90 countries. In the United States, the company has a strong national salesforce that sells brands into the independent retail marketplace. Their products can be found in all types of retailers, from pharmacies, college bookstores and hospital gift shops to high-end boutiques, spas and hotels.
The Grace Management Company recently partnered with global icons Donny & Debbie Osmond to provide a collection of scented sachets featuring designs and fragrances that celebrate home and family. The group has distributors overseas. Click here to find out more about the company.
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Contact Us:THE VERMICULITE ASSOCIATION2207 Forest Hills Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112Phone: 717-238-9902Fax: 717-238-9985Website: www.vermiculite.org
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.
Articles for Lightweight NewsTVA 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.
The deadline to submit for the Summer 2016 issue (published in August) is Friday, July 8. Email articles to Amy at [email protected].
Staff Contacts:Executive Director:Denise Calabrese, [email protected]
Newsletter Editor:Amy [email protected]
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.
Additional Resources on the TVA WebsiteTVA’s website, www.vermiculite.org, contains a variety of resources, including these documents about vermiculite:
Vermiculite in the Construction MarketHorticultural VermiculiteHealth, Safety and Environmental AspectsCrystal Structure of Magnesium VermiculitePeat-LiteVermiculite ConcreteVermiculite DataVermiculite in the Industrial SectorThe Use of Vermiculite as a Technological Additive in Animal FeedstuffsVermiculite Gypsum Plasters
Collaborating to promote vermiculite. Encouraging and promoting best practices. Dedicated to integrity and honesty.
Lightweight News is an e-publication of The Vermiculite Association. It is published four times per year:
• Winter issue is published in February
• Spring issue is published in May
• Summer issue is published in August
• Fall issue is published in November
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.
LIGHTWEIGHT NEWS - SPRING 2016
