1. What is Bentonite?

Bentonite, also referred to as “porphyry” or “bentonite,” is a non-metallic mineral primarily composed of montmorillonite. It typically contains small amounts of illite, kaolinite, zeolite, feldspar, and calcite. The composition of montmorillonite determines the natural bentonite’s properties and value.

2. Montmorillonite

Montmorillonite is a complex mineral with significant importance. It belongs to the smectite family, also known as the Montmorillonite family. This family comprises various subgroups and mineral species. Bentonite commonly includes minerals such as montmorillonite, bedrock, and green dextrinite.

3. Sodium-based Bentonite and Calcium-based Bentonite

Bentonite crystals possess a permanent negative charge due to the replacement of silicon and aluminum ions. This leads to the classification of bentonite into sodium-based, calcium-based, magnesium-based, and calcium-sodium-based types. Sodium-based bentonite offers superior properties such as higher swelling capacity, cation exchange, and practical significance compared to calcium-based bentonite.

4. Organic Bentonite

Organic bentonite involves the replacement of exchangeable positive ions with organic ammonium ions, resulting in hydrophobic and lipophilic properties. It can be categorized based on viscosity, dispersion, and self-energizing capabilities.

5. Lithium-based Bentonite

Lithium-based bentonite, derived from natural lithium resources or lithiation processes, exhibits excellent expansion, thickening, and suspension properties. It finds extensive use in industrial coatings and casting applications.

6. Active White Clay

Activated white clay, primarily derived from bentonite, is treated with inorganic acids or salts to create a microporous structure. It is widely used in petroleum processing and industrial oil decolorization.

7. Column-supported Montmorillonite

Column-supported montmorillonite, with its large specific surface area and variable pore size, holds significant potential in petrochemicals, wastewater treatment, and antimicrobial materials.

8. Bentonite Suspended Gel

Bentonite inorganic gel is a valuable colloidal product derived from bentonite through purification, sodium modification, phosphide modification, and gelation processes. It finds diverse applications across various industries.

By understanding these definitions and applications, one can appreciate the versatility and significance of bentonite in numerous industrial and commercial sectors.