1. Construction and building materials**
- **Insulation materials**: lightweight insulation mortar, roof insulation layer (low thermal conductivity).
- **Lightweight concrete**: replace part of sand and gravel to reduce building load.
- **Fireproof materials**: vitrified perlite is used for fireproof board and fire-resistant coating.
### **2. Agriculture and horticulture**
- **Soilless culture medium**: breathable and water-retaining, promoting plant root growth.
- **Soil conditioner**: improve compacted soil and improve drainage.
### **3. Industry and chemical industry**
- **Filter aid**: filter medium for beer, juice, and oil industry.
- **Chemical carrier**: adsorb pesticides, catalysts, etc.
- **Filler**: used for coatings, plastics, rubber (reduce costs and improve performance).
### **4. Other special uses**
- **Cosmetics**: ultrafine perlite powder is used as a scrub (exfoliating product).
- **Medicine**: drug sustained release carrier (requires high purity treatment).
- **Filter aid**: used for swimming pools and sewage treatment.
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## **Fourth, selection suggestions**
- **Insulation building materials**: choose expanded perlite with low density (<150 kg/m³) and low thermal conductivity (<0.045 W/m·K).
- **Horticulture**: medium particles (1-3mm) to ensure a balance between air permeability and water retention.
- **Industrial filtration**: high-purity fine particles (0.5-1mm) to avoid impurity contamination.
- **Water-repellent requirements**: choose silane-modified perlite, suitable for humid environments.