Bentonite
Bentonite clay is created from volcanic ash and consists of smectite minerals, mostly montmorillonite, quartz, feldspar gypsum and more. It has a very fine and soft texture, and when mixed with water, it forms a paste. Bentonite has strong colloidal properties, and hence this paste is widely used. Other noteworthy properties include hydration, viscosity, thixotropy and quick water absorption, making this clay a valuable material in the ceramic industry.
Physical Properties
Bentonite clay exhibits the following physical properties, which is why it is used in a variety of applications in the ceramic industry:
Strong Colloidal Properties
Swells on Water Contact
Water Absorption
High Viscosity
High Plasticity
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Applications
Bentonite clay’s physical properties place it in a unique position in the clay industry and also promote its use for a broad set of applications:
Foundry
Given bentonite’s good thermal stability, it is used as a special bonding material while preparing modling sand for producing steel, iron and other non-ferrous castings.
Pelletizing
Iron ore fines are shaped into spherical pellets using bentonite as a binding agent during the production of iron ore pellets.
Skin Care
Bentonite clay’s absorbent power is handy in treating oily skin and acne breakouts, as the clay can help remove sebum or oil from the skin’s surface.
Water Systems
Apart from being used in retention systems for the overall control of stickers and pitch, bentonite is also used to enhance the efficiency of water systems.