**2. Experiments**

314 Nuclear Reactors

original volume. This feature is a striking ability for a mineral. Because it looks like *vermicularis*, its name is vermiculite. They molecular structure consists of two tetrahedral layers as silica and alumina and an octahedral layer including O, Mg, Fe and hydroxyl molecules. Water located between layers is an important member in the vermiculite. If mineral heats suddenly, inter-layer water transforms to steam and exfoliation feature

Vermiculite is clean to handle, odorless and mould durable. It has a wide range of uses as thermal insulation, fire durability, liquid absorption capability, low density and usefulness

i. Construction Industry (lightweight concretes, vermiculite-loaded plasters, loosefill

In literature, there are several studies about vermiculite and its usage. A comparative study about the effects of grinding and ultrasonic treatment on vermiculite was done. The effect of mechanical treatment and cation type on the clay micro porosity of the Santa Olalla vermiculite untreated and mechanically treated (sonicated and ground) and saturated with different captions was investigated. An experimental study was performed about thermal conductivity of expanded vermiculite based samples. In this paper, measurements were carried out on samples in the temperature range of 300-1100 K. Because of the high heat insulation properties of vermiculite mineral, we frequently encounter studies on thermal properties of it. In another study, researchers produced new materials including vermiculite that can withstand up to 11500C. The cement-vermiculite composition was used to produce new materials to leach 54Mn and 89Sr radionuclide. Researchers have received the best results when using 95% Portland cement and 5% vermiculite composition. The effect on ultrasounds on natural macroscopic vermiculite flakes has been studied and effects of ultrasound treatment on the several parameters (particle sizes, crystal structure, surface area, etc...) were investigated. Finally, micron and submicron-sized vermiculites were prepared. High surface area silica was obtained by selectively leaching vermiculite. In this study, also the characteristics of the porous silica obtained from vermiculite are compared with those from other clay minerals. Studies are performed on the material composition and typical characteristics of micaceous minerals of the vermiculite series in the Tebinbulak deposit. Thermal treatments of nano-layered vermiculite samples were studied up to 9000C. In another thermal effect study was achieved for 15-8000C temperature range vermiculite originated by Tanzania region. Thermal properties of polypropylene-vermiculite composites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) techniques. At the end of this study, new composites with high thermal stability were produced. The effect of sodium ion exchange on the properties of vermiculite was studied by several methodology (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermo mechanical analysis) and sodium exchange lowered the exfoliation onset temperature to below 300 °C. A comparative study about oil affinity of expanded and hydrophobized vermiculite was

etc… The main uses of minerals are listed as follows;

iii. Industrial Insulation for High Temperatures (up to 11000C)

occurs.

insulation)

vi. Horticulture

ii. Animal Feedstuff Industry

iv. Automotive Industry v. Packaging Materials
