
Bentonite
Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay mineral primarily composed of montmorillonite, valued for its exceptional swelling, binding, sealing, and absorption properties. It is widely used across industries such as foundry, drilling and oil & gas, construction, iron ore pelletization, civil engineering, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and environmental applications. In foundry operations, bentonite acts as a superior binder for sand molds, providing excellent green strength, thermal stability, and reusability. In drilling and civil engineering, its high swelling capacity makes it ideal for slurry walls, bore sealing, groundwater protection, and soil stabilization.
Bentonite is also extensively used in iron ore pelletization as a binding agent, in wastewater treatment for adsorption of impurities, and in agriculture as a soil conditioner and feed additive. Depending on application requirements, bentonite is available in sodium, calcium, and activated grades, each offering specific performance characteristics.
Bentonite – Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mineral Type | Montmorillonite Clay |
| Grade | Sodium Bentonite / Calcium Bentonite / Activated Bentonite |
| Chemical Composition | Al₂O₃ · 4SiO₂ · H₂O |
| Montmorillonite Content | 60% – 90% |
| Color | Grey / Cream / Off-white |
| Swelling Volume | 15 – 30 ml / 2 g (Grade dependent) |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 10% |
| pH Value | 8 – 10 |
| Bulk Density | 0.9 – 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Specific Gravity | 2.3 – 2.6 |
| Viscosity (API) | 30 – 45 cps |
| Particle Size | 200 mesh (customizable) |
| Water Absorption | High |
| Thermal Stability | Good |
| Packaging | 25 kg / 50 kg bags or jumbo bags |
| Applications | Foundry, Drilling, Pelletization, Construction, Agriculture, Water Treatment |