MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Vermiculite Board (fire protection) (15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm)

Board Product
mineral › Silicate › Board Product
mineralsilicatefire-protectioninsulationnon-combustiblevermiculitethermal-barrieracousticpassive-firebushfire-resistant
ATLAS CODE
MIN-SIL-BRD-002
Vermiculite Board (fire protection) (15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Silicate
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.12 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
30 yrs
Description

Vermiculite board is a lightweight, non-combustible insulation material manufactured from expanded vermiculite particles combined with specific inorganic binders through compression and heat treatment. The unique internal structure contains numerous interlayer voids, providing excellent thermal insulation properties with thermal conductivity ranging from 0.09 to 0.18 W/(m·K). These boards maintain structural integrity at temperatures up to 1200°C and are available in standard thicknesses from 15mm to 50mm. The material offers combined benefits of fire resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic dampening, making it ideal for Australian construction applications including fireplace surrounds, register plates, fire door cores, and bushfire protection systems.

Primary Sectors
[Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Fire door cores (achieving EI30, EI60, and EI120 ratings)
  • Fireplace and wood stove surrounds
  • Register plates for flue systems
  • Industrial furnace and kiln insulation
  • Passive fire protection for structural steel
  • Acoustic panels for recording studios and cinemas
  • Thermal barriers in building cavities
  • Heat shields for range cookers and boilers
  • Fire-resistant wall linings
  • Replacement for traditional fire bricks
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 0.12 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 3.5 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Non-combustible with excellent fire resistance up to 1200°CLow thermal conductivity (0.09-0.18 W/mK) for superior insulationLightweight (500-1200 kg/m³) reducing structural loadsEasy to cut, drill, and shape with standard woodworking toolsNon-toxic and environmentally friendly with no VOC emissionsExcellent acoustic absorption properties (NRC 0.4-0.6 at 500 Hz)Dimensionally stable with minimal thermal shrinkage (<2%)Naturally resistant to insects, rodents, and fungal growthChemically inert and corrosion resistantSmooth surface suitable for painting or finishing
Cautions
Requires careful handling to prevent edge chippingMust be stored flat to prevent bowingNot suitable for exterior use without protectionLower mechanical strength compared to cement boardsPotential for dust generation during cutting (requires PPE)Higher cost compared to standard gypsum boardsLimited availability in remote Australian locationsRequires heat-resistant adhesives and sealants for high-temperature applicationsNot suitable for structural load-bearing applicationsHistorical concerns about asbestos contamination (modern products tested and certified asbestos-free)
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-SIL-BRD-002
Density (Dry) 500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 0.75
Porosity 65 %
Water Absorption 200 %
Hardness 2
Surface Roughness 50 μm
UV Resistance Moderate
Chemical Resistance Excellent
pH Tolerance 6-10
Compressive Strength 4.2 MPa
Tensile Strength 0.8 MPa
Flexural Strength 1.6 MPa
Shear Strength 0.6 MPa
Elastic Modulus 800 GPa
Impact Resistance Low J/m
Bearing Capacity 2.5 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.15
Creep Resistance Good
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 0.14 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.18 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1080 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 8 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1350 °C
Ignition Temperature 1350 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 35
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.5
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 75 %

Vermiculite's insulating properties were first documented in 1824 by Thomas H. Webb. Commercial use in construction began in the mid-20th century, with significant expansion following World War II. The Libby, Montana mine (closed 1990) created awareness about asbestos contamination, leading to strict testing protocols. Modern Australian vermiculite is sourced from asbestos-free mines in Southern Africa and Northern Australia, with all products tested and certified safe since 1990. The development of phosphate-based binders in the 1980s improved board strength and durability, while recent innovations focus on enhanced fire ratings and acoustic properties for modern building requirements.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-SIL-BRD-002
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Ignition Temperature 1350 °C
Fire Resistance Rating 120 hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None - inert mineral
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.12 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 3.5 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 50 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 7 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Intermediate - experienced DIY or trade
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 2 hr/m²
Curing Time 6 hours
Setting Time 30 min
Temperature Range 5-35 °C
Humidity Range 30-70 %
Required Tools
Fine-tooth saw or circular saw with dust extractionElectric drill with masonry bitsDust mask and safety glassesMeasuring tape and straight edgeHeat-resistant adhesive applicatorSupport props for vertical installation
Certifications Required
General constructionAsbestos awareness (for renovation work)
Weather Limitations
Not suitable for wet weather installationRequires dry storage
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-SIL-BRD-002
Material Cost 45-85
Installation Cost 40-70
Annual Maintenance 0
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 105
Market Availability Moderate - specialist suppliers
Lead Time 7 weeks
Design Life 30 years
Warranty Period 10 years
Maintenance Interval 0 months
Service Temp Range -260 to 1200 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
NATA accredited laboratory testingCE marking (European products)Asbestos-free certificationZero VOC emissions verifiedNon-toxic material certificationSafe for residential use
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.4 - Fire resistance testingEN 13501-1+A1:2009 - Non-combustible classificationEI30, EI60, EI120 - Fire door core ratings
Standards Compliance
NCC Volume One - Non-combustible material per C1.9(e)NCC Volume Two - Deemed-to-satisfy provisionsAS 1530.1 - Combustibility test compliantAS/NZS 1530.3 - Fire hazard properties compliantASTM E84 - Surface burning characteristics (Class A potential)ASTM E119 - Fire resistance testingISO 1182 - Non-combustibility testISO 834 - Fire resistance testsEN 13501-1 - Fire classificationEN 1094-6 - Dimensional stabilityEN ISO 8895 - Compression testing

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-SIL-BRD-002 Schema: v3.0
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