Description

Saponite is a naturally occurring trioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate clay mineral belonging to the smectite group, known for its high cation exchange capacity and swelling properties. This versatile material is valued for its rheological control, adsorption capabilities, and function as a catalyst support or ion exchanger in advanced industrial processes. It serves as a critical component for formulators and manufacturers in sectors including paints & coatings, ceramics, personal care, and environmental remediation.

Application

• Rheology Modifier and Thickener: Used in water-based paints, coatings, adhesives, and drilling fluids to control viscosity and prevent sagging.
• Catalyst and Catalyst Support: Acts as a solid acid catalyst or a porous support material in petrochemical and organic synthesis reactions due to its tunable acidity and surface area.
• Adsorbent and Clarifying Agent: Employed for the purification of oils, fats, and beverages, and in wastewater treatment to remove heavy metals and organic contaminants.
• Ceramics and Composites: Functions as a plasticizer and binder in ceramic bodies and as a reinforcing nanofiller in polymer composites to enhance mechanical properties.
• Personal Care and Cosmetics: Utilized in formulations like creams, lotions, and masks for its suspension, emulsion stabilization, and skin-soothing properties.
• Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals: Serves as an excipient for tablet disintegrant, binder, or as a carrier for controlled drug delivery systems.
• Agriculture and Horticulture: Applied as a soil conditioner to improve moisture retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure.
• Nanomaterial Precursor: Source material for the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials like pillared clays and functionalized nanosheets.

Basic Information

Item	Details
Product Name	Saponite
CAS No.	1319-41-1
Molecular Formula	Typically Ca0.25(Mg,Fe)3((Si,Al)4O10)(OH)2·nH2O
Molecular Weight	Variable (Complex silicate structure)
Synonyms	Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide; Smectite Clay; Soapstone (mineral form); Swelling Clay; Hectorite-type Clay; Trioctahedral Smectite; TOT Clay; 2:1 Phyllosilicate
EINECS	215-288-5

Quality Control

Our Saponite is sourced and processed under strict quality protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency for industrial applications. Quality is verified through a suite of analytical tests including mineralogical identification, cation exchange capacity (CEC), swelling index, and particle size distribution. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing specific lot parameters is provided with every shipment to guarantee compliance with your technical requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Due to its hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) nature, store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (15-25°C/59-77°F). The storage area should have low humidity and be well-ventilated. Keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption and caking.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Fine, off-white to pale cream powder
Identification (XRD)	Complies (Characteristic smectite pattern)
Loss on Drying	≤ 12.0 %
pH (in water suspension)	8.0 - 10.5
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)	60 - 120 meq/100g
Swelling Volume	≥ 15 mL/2g
Particle Size (D50)	≤ 20 µm
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm

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