TWI Frequently asked questions

How is Barrikade ^TM made?

by Caroline Williams

Barrikade is made using a two-stage process patented by TWI. In the first stage, the vermiculite particles and the blended silicate binder are mixed until the particles are coated. The material is then spread-out to cure in an oven at typically 100°C.

The second stage utilises the pre-coated vermiculite produced in the first stage. More binder is added and the mixture is then moulded to the desired shape and size, followed by a further heat treatment at 100°C.

Barrikade can be recycled because the binder is a silicate-based system which is soluble in water. The Barrikade component can be soaked in water until the binder dissolves and the vermiculite separates. The vermiculite can then be collected, dried and re-used.

Further information

• What is Barrikade?
• Where can Barrikade be used?
• Heat insulation and fire resistance using composite materials
• 'The heat in the sandwich: home-grown fire resistant composite out-performs competitors' (TWI Industrial Members only)

Last Reviewed 2002 / Copyright © 2002 TWI Ltd