Characteristics, classification and uses of bentonite

What is bentonite?

Bentonite is a clay rock, which belongs to non-metallic minerals. It is also called bentonite, bentonite, etc. Its main component is montmorillonite. Bentonite has unique characteristics such as good adsorption, swelling, catalytic reactivity, and adhesion, and is widely used in industry, agriculture, environmental protection and other fields.

Characteristics of bentonite

Water absorption: After bentonite absorbs water, it forms a colloidal substance, and its volume will expand significantly, and the expansion multiple can reach several times or even more than ten times, with good suspension and adhesion.

Adsorption: Bentonite has a relatively large surface area and can absorb heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, etc. in water.

Cation exchange: The cations between bentonite layers can be exchanged with cations in the external solution.

Stability: Bentonite can still maintain a certain stability under high temperature, strong acid or strong alkali conditions.

Adhesion: Bentonite can form a colloid after being dispersed in water, and has a strong adhesion ability.

Types of bentonite

According to cations, it can be divided into

Sodium-based bentonite: the interlayer is mainly composed of sodium ions, and it has strong water absorption and expansion, which is suitable for drilling mud, casting and other fields.

Calcium-based bentonite: the interlayer is mainly composed of calcium ions, with strong adsorption, and is often used in environmental protection, agriculture and other fields.

Lithium-based bentonite: the interlayer cation is lithium ion, which is relatively rare, but it also has its specific application fields.

Organic bentonite: after organic modification, bentonite has hydrophobicity and is mostly used in coatings, inks and other fields.

According to the use, it can be divided into

Finishing bentonite: mainly used in the casting industry.

Metallurgical pelletizing bentonite: mainly used in steel smelting.

Drilling mud bentonite: mainly used in oil drilling mud production.

According to mineral composition, it can be divided into

Montmorillonite bentonite: this type is the most common, with strong adsorption, high expansion and good cation exchange capacity, and is mostly used in metallurgical pelletizing, oil drilling, environmental adsorption and other fields.

Illite bentonite: It has high thermal and chemical stability and is often used to make building materials, ceramics and high-temperature refractory materials.

Chlorite bentonite: Due to its good lubricity and unique layered structure, it can be used as an additive for inks, coatings and cosmetics. This type has poor expansion.

Uses of bentonite

Chemical industry: Bentonite has excellent adsorption properties and is mostly used in the chemical industry. It can be used as a catalyst carrier for the preparation of various oils and chemicals. In addition, bentonite can also be used as a fireproof material, plastic enhancer, washing powder and cosmetic ingredients.

Construction field: Bentonite has the characteristics of viscosity increase, thickening and enhancement, and is one of the important raw materials for the manufacture of building materials. It can be used to produce various building materials such as bricks, tiles, ceramics, clay pipes, etc. At the same time, bentonite is also widely used in the production of building coatings, thermal insulation materials and waterproof insulation materials.

Metallurgical field: Bentonite can also be used as refractory materials, furnace wall coatings and furnace wall support materials. In metallurgical production, bentonite can play a role in heat preservation, moisture retention and adsorption. In addition, bentonite is also used in rare metal extraction, alumina production, steel production and other fields.

Agricultural field: Bentonite can be used to make soil conditioners to improve soil structure and increase water and fertilizer retention capacity. It can also be used as a feed additive in animal feed to promote digestion and absorb toxins.

Other fields: It also plays an important role in the cosmetics, medicine, papermaking, food, environmental protection and other industries.

Bentonite cat litter production process

Main equipment: vibrating feeder, jaw crusher, vibrating screen, impact crusher, sand making machine, etc.