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Bentonite is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. It was named by Wilbur C. Knight in 1898 after the Cretaceous Benton Shale near Rock River, Wyoming.[1][2]
The different types of bentonite are each named after the respective dominant element, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and aluminium (Al). Experts debate a number of nomenclatorial problems with the classification of bentonite clays. Bentonite usually forms from weathering of volcanic ash, most often in the presence of water. However, the term bentonite, as well as a similar clay called tonstein, has been used to describe clay beds of uncertain origin. For industrial purposes, two main classes of bentonite exist: sodium and calcium bentonite. In stratigraphy and tephrochronology, completely devitrified (weathered volcanic glass) ash-fall beds are commonly referred to as K-bentonites when the dominant clay species is illite. In addition to montmorillonite and illite anther common clay species that is sometimes dominant is kaolinite. Kaolinite-dominated clays are commonly referred to as tonsteins and are typically associated with coal.
Bentonite applications
Owing to its unique valuable properties, bentonite is employed in a great number of different applications, as illustrated below:
Foundry
Bentonite is used as a bonding material in the preparation of moulding sand for the production of cast iron, steel, and non-ferrous casting. The unique properties of bentonite yield green sand moulds with good flowability, compactability, and thermal stability for the production of high quality castings.
Drilling
Owing to its rheological properties and thixotropy of aqueous suspensions, bentonite is used as a mud constituent for oil and water well drilling. Its functions are mainly to stabilise the borehole, seal the borehole walls, and remove drill cuttings. Bentonite muds are thus employed for oil and water well drilling, tunnel, and microtunnel drilling.
Civil engineering
Bentonite slurries are used in the construction of special foundations for digging diaphragm walls and bored piles. In geothecnical engineering, bentonite is used for self-hardening mixtures employed to build cut off walls, grouting mortars, and grouting. Finally, bentonite waterproofing properties are best exploited in environmental engineering, to seal off soil infiltrations, and line the base of landfills.
Feedstuff
Bentonite is used as an animal feed supplement. Under European regulations, it is classified as a food additive, with E number E558. Bentonite is used as a pelletizing aid in the production of animal feed pellets. Due to its high adsorption power, it is particularly effective against micotoxins.
Water treatment
Due to its ion exchange, flocculation, and sedimentation properties, bentonite is used in environmental protection for water clarification, and as an aid to polyelectrolites and inorganic flocculants.
Agriculture
Bentonite is used as an ion exchanger for soil improvement and conditioning. It is also used for gardening in soil compounds and mixtures to absorb humidity, and as a carrier for various herbicides and pesticides.
Ceramics
Bentonite is used to enhance ceramic paste plasticity and as an anti-settling agent in ceramic enamels.
Paper
Bentonite is used to improve the efficiency of conversion of pulp into paper, as well as for paper quality improvement by preventing rubber particle agglomeration. Due to its absorbing property, bentonite also offers useful de-inking properties for paper recycling.
Wine making
In winemaking, bentonite is used to enhance clarification and protein stabilization.
Cat litter
Owing to its swelling property, bentonite is used for cat litter, due to its advantage of absorbing refuse by forming clumps.
Pelletizing of iron ore
Due to its water absorption capacity and colloidal property, bentonite is used as a binding additive to convert iron ore fines into pellets.
Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and spa mud therapy
Bentonite is used as a filler in pharmaceuticals, and for its absorption/adsorption functions. It is also employed in creams, face-powders, and spa mud preparations.
Detergent additive
Bentonite is used in detergents to soften the fabrics. Liquid cleansers/soaps rely on the inclusion of bentonite as a suspension agent and viscosity enhancer.
Food industry (wine, edible oils and fats)
Bentonite is utilized in the removal of impurities in oils where its absorptive properties are crucial in the processing of edible oils and fats. In drinks, bentonite is used as a clarification agent.
Paints and varnishes
Bentonite functions as a thickening and/or suspension agent.