A natural solution

– Shaun Inguanzo
TWO naturally occurring minerals could help slash construction site injuries, fire-proof buildings and cut down on electricity use.
Dandenong business Exfoliators Australia is at the cutting edge of this mineral research and design.
The minerals are commonly known as Perlite and Vermiculite and Exfoliators managing director Graeme Raper is tipping they will become the new cornerstone of the construction industry within five years.
Mr Raper said the only thing preventing the two products from replacing sand was the conservatism of the Australian building industry.
“It is extremely conservative industry by world standards and often takes a sceptical view of really radical, new products,” Mr Raper said.
But just because Exfoliators Australia is ahead of its time, it doesn’t mean the company won’t continue to develop more refined versions of its products.
It has already exfoliated Perlite to be able to use it for wine-making filters, fire retardants, hydroponic plant beds and replacement for sand in building blocks, statues and anything else that sand would normally help build.
The company, which picks up this year’s Environment Award, believes Perlite building products will help the environment inadvertently because of their properties.
“If for argument’s sake we looked at what we’re doing as a sand replacement, then both Perlite and sand are mined, both are minerals and are inert, both have indefinite lifetimes,” Mr Raper said.
“They’re one and the same in that regard with no real environmental effect.
“But if we look at a building built out of sand-based blocks versus a Perlite one, then the thermal and acoustic properties means the Perlite building would need to use much less electricity to heat or cool the building.
“It would also use substantially less sound insulation and, because each block might weigh nine or 10 kilograms instead of 14kilograms, you don’t need a massive foundation structure.
“When you look at the whole picture you do get, inadvertently, the environmental benefits.”
Likewise, Vermiculite has good water retention properties and is often used in horticulture, as kitty litter, and as a fire retardant.
Mr Raper said Exfoliators Australia was a national leader in Perlite and Vermiculite research – and it was all in the name of fun.
“We’re usually well ahead of the Australian industry because we like to muck around and play,” he said.
“We like to have fun coming to work because if you enjoy it, then you come back tomorrow.
“As long as you’re making profits along the way, it’s good fun.”