Bentonite Clay – High-Performance Industrial Binder and Absorbent

Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay composed primarily of montmorillonite, a layered alumino-silicate mineral known for its exceptional swelling, absorbency, and binding characteristics. When hydrated, bentonite forms a thixotropic gel, making it an essential functional material across a wide range of industrial applications.

Due to its rheological control, sealing ability, and chemical stability, bentonite is widely used in drilling fluids, foundry molding sands, iron ore pelletizing, civil engineering, and environmental protection systems. Its natural origin and cost-effectiveness further enhance its value in demanding industrial processes.

Key Benefits

High swelling capacity: Expands significantly upon hydration, enabling effective sealing and viscosity control.
Excellent binding strength: Provides strong inter-particle bonding in foundry sands and pelletized materials.
Thixotropic rheology: Forms stable gels that flow under shear and recover structure at rest.
Cation exchange capability: Enables adsorption of impurities, metals, and charged species in treatment processes.
Chemical and pH stability: Remains stable over a broad pH range and under most industrial conditions.
Cost-efficient natural mineral: Delivers functional performance while optimizing formulation economics.

Available Grades

Sodium Bentonite: High-swelling grade for drilling fluids, sealing, and environmental applications.
Calcium Bentonite: Lower-swelling grade used as filler, absorbent, and carrier material.
API-13A Drilling Grade: Engineered to meet oil & gas industry specifications.
Foundry Grade Bentonite: Optimized for green sand mold strength and thermal stability.
Pelletizing Grade Bentonite: Designed for iron ore pellet production.
Activated Bentonite Acid-activated clay used as bleaching earth (covered separately below).

Applications

Key Application Areas

Oil & Gas Drilling: Used as a key component in drilling fluids to: Stabilize borehole walls, Control fluid loss, Suspend cuttings and cool drill bits.

Foundry & Metal Casting: Acts as a binder in green sand systems, improving: Mold strength, Dimensional stability, Casting surface finish.

Construction & Civil Engineering: Applied for: Slurry walls and diaphragm walls, Foundation sealing and grouting, Groundwater containment and seepage control.

Iron Ore Pelletizing: Functions as a binder to agglomerate iron ore fines into mechanically stable pellets for steelmaking.

Agriculture & Livestock: Applied as: Soil conditioner to improve moisture retention, Binder in animal feed pellets (application-specific grades).

Consumer & Specialty Uses: Selected refined grades are used as absorbents in: Cat litter (odor control), Personal care products (limited cosmetic applications).

Why Choose Us?

We supply industrial-grade bentonite with consistent and reliable performance, supported by strict quality control.

Our capabilities include:

Controlled swelling index and purity testing
Custom milling and particle size control
Application-specific grade selection
Reliable mining and supply chain

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is bentonite mainly used for?

A: Bentonite is used in drilling fluids, foundry molds, construction sealing, environmental liners, and iron ore pelletizing due to its swelling and binding properties.

Q: What is the difference between sodium and calcium bentonite?

A: Sodium bentonite exhibits significantly higher swelling and is preferred for sealing and drilling. Calcium bentonite offers lower expansion and is used where controlled absorbency is required.

Q: How is bentonite supplied?

A: It is supplied as powder or granules in bags, jumbo bags, or bulk. Dust-controlled and pelletized forms are available.

Q: Is bentonite suitable for food or pharmaceutical use?

A: Only specifically processed and certified grades should be used in food or pharmaceutical applications. Standard industrial grades are not intended for such use.

Q: How should bentonite be stored?

A: Store in a dry, covered environment to prevent moisture uptake and maintain flowability.