Lithium Black does not use vermiculite.
Instead, it employs a specific combination of minerals and salts tailored to lithium-ion battery fires. Here’s a breakdown of the differences and similarities between FlameBlock Lithium Black product and vermiculite:
Lithium Black
- Composition: A naturally occurring clay made primarily of montmorillonite, known for its high
water absorption and swelling properties. - Behaviour in Fires:
o Forms a dense layer when exposed to heat, acting as a thermal barrier.
o Absorbs water, which can release steam to help cool surfaces. - Strengths: Excellent heat resistance and ability to trap liquids, making it useful in certain fire
suppression contexts.
Vermiculite
- Composition: A hydrated magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate mineral, which expands significantly
when exposed to heat. - Behavior in Fires:
o Expands into lightweight, heat-resistant flakes that insulate and smother flames.
o Absorbs and retains heat effectively, creating a protective layer. - Strengths: Lightweight, non-combustible, and provides thermal insulation.
Similarities
- Both materials provide excellent thermal resistance.
- Both can create barriers to reduce the spread of fire and heat.
- Neither is inherently flammable or reactive with lithium fires.
Key Difference in Application for Lithium Fires
- Lithium Black: Offers superior density and water absorption, potentially assisting in cooling the
battery but may not be as effective in heat expansion or gas trapping. - Vermiculite: Provides better expansion and insulation, but its lightweight structure may not contain
the fire as robustly as more advanced formulations like Lithium Black.
Conclusion: FlameBlock Lithium Black uses a specialized formulation that outperform vermiculite by
addressing the full range of lithium-ion fire challenges, including temperature reduction, oxygen radical
neutralization, and gas containment.
