"Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

[Majic31]

I went to my local building supply looking for vermiculite to use as loose insulation over the ceramic fiber blanket I had wrapped around my oven... and they sold me "Micafil" brand block fill vermiculite. It says its for filling concrete blocks or walls and is water resistant. OK- but is it appropriate for the insulating job I bought it for?
I got it home and poked a hole in one of the bags... it's close to the consistency of oatmeal-like flakes... is that what it's supposed to be? I may have had the wrong impression, but I thought it was supposed to be more granular, larger pieces so there would be air pockets...
Can anyone tell me whether this vermiculite is appropriate as oven insulation?
Thanks

[Tscarborough]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

It is fine. Perlite is more granular.

[Majic31]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Reassurance is always good...thanks for the reply

I can't work on it today (too darn cold and the wind's gusting to 60mph), so hopefully tomorrow..

[Tscarborough]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

I often get asked the coverage of a 4 cuft bag of perlite/vermiculite in a CMU wall. The answer, of course, is 16 if the wind isn't blowing.

[meco211]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Think that i bought the same stuff, but it is called Zonolite. not sure i can use it to mix with Portland cement and use for my Hearth slab. this stuff is almost powdery looks like pepper almost

[Majic31]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Think that i bought the same stuff, ...this stuff is almost powdery looks like pepper almost

Meco211 - not sure what you have, but I don't think it's the same product as mine (although it sounds like it's originally intended for the same purpose)

As I said in my post - this "Micafil" stuff is almost the consistency of raw rolled oats, not as fine as what you're describing...

[Tscarborough]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Zonolite is perlite and is fine to use, no matter what consistency.

[kebwi]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Vermiculite is a form of mica. They actually look quite similar.

[meco211]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

thanks for the response

[Johnny the oven man]

Re: "Micafil" block fill vermiculite???

Vermiculite is a form of mica. They actually look quite similar.

Vermiculite is EXFOLIATED Mica. That is, it goes through a furnace @ 1000c and the mica expands.