Description

Hectorite CAS NO 12173-47-6 is a high-purity, synthetic smectite clay belonging to the trioctahedral subgroup of the montmorillonite family. This material is valued for its exceptional rheological control, high transparency, and excellent suspension properties in a wide range of polar and non-polar systems. It serves as a critical performance additive for formulators seeking to enhance viscosity, stability, and texture. Key industries that rely on this versatile rheological modifier include personal care, pharmaceuticals, paints & coatings, and advanced ceramics.

Application

• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Acts as a primary rheology modifier and suspending agent in lotions, creams, sunscreens, and color cosmetics, providing non-Newtonian flow and elegant skin feel.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used as a suspending and gelling agent in topical gels, ointments, and oral suspensions, and as a binder/disintegrant in tablet formulations.
• Paints, Coatings & Inks: Imparts anti-settling and anti-sag properties, enhances brushability, and controls viscosity in water-based and solvent-based systems.
• Advanced Ceramics & Composites: Functions as a processing aid and binder in ceramic bodies and composite materials, improving green strength and shaping properties.
• Industrial Greases & Lubricants: Serves as a thickener and rheology controller to provide structural stability and temperature resistance.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Provides thixotropy and prevents sag in mastics, caulks, and construction adhesives.
• Agriculture: Utilized as a carrier and suspending agent in pesticide and herbicide formulations.
• Drilling Fluids: Acts as a viscosifier and fluid loss control additive in water-based drilling muds for oil and gas exploration.

Basic Information

Product Name	Hectorite
CAS No.	12173-47-6
Molecular Formula	Na0.3(Mg,Li)3Si4O10(OH)2
Molecular Weight	~ 400 g/mol (Variable)
Synonyms	Synthetic Hectorite; Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate; Laponite® (Trade Name); Smectite Clay; Magnesium Lithium Sodium Silicate; Trioctahedral Smectite; Swelling Clay; Organohectorite
EINECS	235-340-7

Quality Control

Our Hectorite is manufactured under a stringent quality management system to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and performance reliability. Production adheres to cGMP guidelines where applicable. Each lot is subjected to comprehensive analytical testing, including rheological performance, particle size distribution, chemical composition, and impurity profiling. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing all relevant specifications is provided with every shipment. We support compliance with major regulatory frameworks including REACH, FDA (where applicable), and other international standards.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive). Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture, which can affect performance. Keep away from incompatible materials.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Fine, white to off-white powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to standard
Loss on Drying	≤ 10.0 %
pH (4% aqueous dispersion)	9.0 - 10.5
Viscosity (4% aqueous dispersion)	Contact for details
Particle Size (D50)	< 25 µm
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm
Microbiological Count	Contact for details

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