Product Overview

Bentonite is a natural clay mineral primarily composed of montmorillonite, with the molecular formula Al₂O₃·4SiO₂·H₂O and molecular weight of 360.31 g/mol. This white to light yellow powder is a valuable industrial material widely used as an adsorbent, binder, and drilling mud additive. Bentonite exhibits excellent swelling and ion-exchange properties.

Synthetic Process

• Mining: Bentonite is mined from natural deposits

• Processing: The raw clay is crushed, dried, and ground to the desired particle size

• Purification: The product is purified by classification and magnetic separation

• Quality Control: The final product is analyzed to ensure compliance with specifications

Mechanism of Action

• Adsorption: High surface area and cation exchange capacity enable adsorption of various substances

• Swelling: Absorbs water and swells to several times its original volume

• Thixotropy: Forms thixotropic gels in aqueous solutions

• Ion Exchange: Exchangeable cations on the surface can be replaced by other cations

Research Applications & Market Significance

• Drilling Industry: Used as a drilling mud additive in oil and gas exploration

• Foundry: Used as a binder in foundry sand

• Civil Engineering: Used in waterproofing and sealing applications

• Food Industry: Used as a clarifying agent and adsorbent

• Pharmaceutical Research: Used as a suspending agent and adsorbent

Quality Specifications

• Purity: ≥98.0%

• Appearance: White to light yellow powder

• Particle size: 200-325 mesh (customizable)

• Swelling capacity: ≥20 mL/2g

• Moisture: ≤12.0%

• pH (5% suspension): 8.0-10.0

• Storage: Sealed, dry environment

• Stable for 36 months when properly stored

Packaging & Shipping

• Research quantities: 500g, 1kg amber glass bottles

• Bulk quantities: 5kg, 25kg fiber drums or bags

• Shipped at ambient temperature