Description

Bentonite CAS NO 1302-78-9 is a naturally occurring, absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay, primarily composed of montmorillonite. Its unique colloidal and swelling properties make it an indispensable industrial material for binding, sealing, and stabilizing applications. This versatile product is critical for sectors requiring reliable rheological control, fluid loss prevention, and environmental containment, such as foundry, civil engineering, and drilling operations.

Application

• Drilling Fluids: Essential component as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent in water-based muds for oil, gas, and geothermal well drilling.
• Foundry & Metalcasting: Used as a bonding agent in green sand molds for ferrous and non-ferrous metal casting, providing thermal stability and mold strength.
• Civil Engineering & Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs): Employed as a hydraulic barrier in landfill liners, pond seals, and containment systems due to its low permeability when hydrated.
• Pelletizing (Iron Ore & Animal Feed): Acts as a binding agent in the production of iron ore pellets for blast furnaces and in animal feed pelletization.
• Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: Utilized as a suspending agent, viscosity enhancer, and detoxifying agent in formulations such as creams, lotions, and medicinal pastes.
• Wine & Beverage Clarification: Applied as a fining agent to adsorb proteins and remove turbidity, ensuring product clarity and stability.
• Cat Litter & Absorbents: Serves as the primary clumping and odor-control material in cat litter and industrial spill absorbents.
• Agriculture: Used as a soil amendment to improve water retention in sandy soils and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers.

Basic Information

Product Name	Bentonite
CAS No.	1302-78-9
Molecular Formula	Al2O3·4SiO2·H2O (Approx.)
Molecular Weight	~ 359.16 g/mol (Approx., varies with composition)
Synonyms	Montmorillonite; Sodium Bentonite; Calcium Bentonite; Wilkinite; Smectite Clay; Tixoton; Volclay; Mineral Colloid; Activated Clay; Bleaching Earth; Fuller's Earth (related); Aluminium Silicate Hydrate
EINECS	215-108-5

Quality Control

Our Bentonite is sourced and processed to meet stringent quality standards for various industrial grades. Production is controlled through rigorous in-process checks and final batch testing against key parameters such as viscosity, swelling index, moisture content, and chemical composition. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing lot-specific results are available upon request. We can supply grades compliant with relevant industry specifications, including API 13A for drilling fluids, foundry standards, and FCC guidelines for food-contact applications.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); containers must be kept sealed when not in use to prevent caking and degradation of performance properties due to moisture absorption. Keep away from incompatible materials.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Fine, free-flowing powder (color varies from cream to gray)
Identification (XRD)	Complies (Montmorillonite present as major phase)
pH (5% slurry)	8.0 - 10.5
Moisture Content	≤ 12.0 %
Swelling Index (ml/2g)	≥ 24
Viscosity (Brookfield, 600 rpm) *	30 - 100 cPs (Grade dependent)
Yield (bbl/ton) *	90 - 160 (Grade dependent)
Screen Analysis (Passing 200 mesh)	≥ 90 %

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.

* Typical for API-grade Sodium Bentonite for drilling fluids.