As well as thermal methods, vermiculite may also be exfoliated chemically. By far the most effective chemical method known is that of using hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2).The exfoliating action of H 2 O 2 on particles of weathered mica was first noted independently by Drosdoff & Miles and Groves during soil particle size analyses procedures where H 2 O 2 was used to oxidize organic matter.