Bentonite Powder

Bentonite is a commercial term for the montmorillonite group of clay mineral, also known as smectite. The term specifically applies to highly colloidal, plastic clay. It has the unique characteristic of swelling to several times its original volume when placed in water and of forming thixotropic gels with water even though the amount of clay is relatively less. It is formed by alteration of volcanic ash in situ. Since alteration of ash may also lead to other clay minerals, depending on the original composition of the ash, mechanism and duration of alterantion. Raw bentonite may consist of other clay minerals like halloysite, kaolinite and illite. The physical properties of pure montmorillonitic bentonite and admixture of the clays vary. Bentonite composed of montmorillonite, having different structural, chemical and exchangeable cat-ions exhibits different physical properties. For example, na-bentonite has greater swelling property and plasticity than ca-bentonite. While ca-bentonite is most common, na-bentonite is found in few localities.
Applications.
Foundry
pelletising
construction and civil engineering
geosynthetic clay liners for environment protection (an ashapura volclay product)
drilling
oils /liquor/ food markets
galleon brand and other activated bleaching clay for oil refining (a product of avl)
agriculture
ashapura brands for pesticides
ashapura brands for animal feed
fertilizer
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medical markets
detergents
paints, dyes and polishes
cat litter
paper
ceramics
catalyst
electrical earthing
water proofing