Description

Attapulgite is a naturally occurring, hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate clay mineral prized for its unique colloidal and sorptive properties. This versatile material is essential for creating stable suspensions, controlling viscosity, and adsorbing moisture and impurities across a wide range of industrial processes. It is a critical component for manufacturers in sectors such as paints and coatings, oil and gas drilling, agriculture, and environmental remediation, where performance and reliability are paramount.

Application

• Drilling Fluids: Acts as a primary viscosifier and filtration control agent in water-based and saltwater drilling muds for oil, gas, and geothermal wells.
• Paints & Coatings: Used as a rheological additive (thixotrope) to prevent sagging in architectural paints, industrial coatings, and texture products.
• Absorbents & Carriers: Serves as a high-performance carrier for pesticides, fertilizers, and animal feed additives, and as an absorbent for pet litter and industrial spills.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Provides thickening, suspension, and anti-settling properties in caulks, mastics, and construction adhesives.
• Catalyst & Catalyst Support: Utilized as an inert support material or as an active catalyst component in various chemical synthesis processes.
• Environmental Remediation: Employed in filtration and waste stabilization for its ability to bind heavy metals and other contaminants.
• Foundry & Ceramics: Functions as a bonding agent in foundry sands and as an additive to improve the plasticity and green strength of ceramic bodies.
• Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: Used in limited applications as a suspending agent, viscosity modifier, or adsorbent in topical formulations.

Basic Information

Product Name	Attapulgite
CAS No.	12174-11-7
Molecular Formula	(Mg,Al)2Si4O10(OH)·4(H2O)
Molecular Weight	~411.15 g/mol (for idealized formula)
Synonyms	Attapulgus Clay; Palygorskite; Fuller's Earth (specific types); Activated Attapulgite; Magnesium Aluminum Silicate; Mineral Colloid; Pascalite; θ-Gel; Tonsil; Rheological Grade Clay; Sorptive Clay
EINECS	235-334-8

Quality Control

Our Attapulgite is sourced and processed to meet stringent quality parameters for industrial applications. Production is controlled through a series of tests including viscosity development, moisture content, particle size distribution, and chemical composition analysis. While specific grades vary, we ensure batch-to-batch consistency and compliance with relevant industrial standards. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing key specifications is provided with every shipment.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. This material is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) and must be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent caking and degradation of performance due to moisture absorption. Ideal storage temperature is between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Off-white to tan fine powder
Identification (XRD)	Complies
Moisture Content	< 12.0 %
pH (5% slurry)	7.0 - 9.5
Viscosity (Brookfield, specific grade)	Contact for details
Particle Size (Passing 200 mesh)	> 90 %
Oil Absorption	Contact for details
Bulk Density	Contact for details

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