Bentonite Powder
Bentonite powder is a naturally occurring absorbent clay primarily composed of montmorillonite, a type of smectite clay mineral. It exhibits excellent swelling and water absorption properties, making it highly versatile in industrial and commercial applications. Bentonite forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which imparts viscosity and plasticity. It is used extensively for its binding, sealing, and adsorptive characteristics. Its fine powder form allows for easy incorporation in various processes including drilling, foundry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Bentonite Powder Uses
Primary Uses
- Drilling Industry:
Used as a drilling mud additive to lubricate and cool drill bits, remove cuttings, and stabilize boreholes. The swelling nature helps prevent fluid loss. - Foundry:
Acts as a binder in mold and core sands to improve mold strength and surface finish during metal casting. - Cosmetics & Personal Care:
Used as a thickener, absorbent, and cleansing agent in facial masks, powders, and creams for skin detoxification. - Pharmaceuticals:
Used as an excipient, adsorbent, and anti-caking agent in medicinal formulations. Also applied in antidiarrheal products for its absorbent properties. - Agriculture:
Improves soil water retention, controls erosion, and acts as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers. - Pet Care:
Common ingredient in cat litter due to its clumping and odor-absorbing abilities.
Secondary Uses
- Environmental:
Used in waste water treatment as a flocculant and for heavy metal adsorption. - Construction:
Utilized as a waterproofing agent in sealing ponds, landfills, and foundations. - Food Industry:
Used as a clarifying agent in wine, juice, and vinegar production. - Industrial Applications:
Serves as a binder in pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives, and ceramics manufacturing.
Animal Feed:
Acts as an anti-caking agent and mycotoxin binder in livestock feed.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium calcium aluminum magnesium silicate hydrate (varies by type)
- Common/Trade Name: Bentonite Powder
- CAS Number: 1302-78-9
- HS Code: 2508.10.00
- Molecular Formula: (Na,Ca)₀.₃(Al,Mg)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O (varies)
- Synonyms: Montmorillonite clay, swelling clay, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Fine powder
- Color & Odor: Off-white to pale gray, odorless
- Particle Size: Typically <75 microns
- Specific Gravity: 2.5–2.8
- Swelling Capacity: High, can swell several times its dry volume in water
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, disperses to form colloidal suspension
- pH (1% suspension): 8–10 (alkaline)
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to ~800°C before decomposition
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 15 mg/m³ (total dust), ACGIH TLV = 10 mg/m³ (respirable dust)
- Reactivity: Chemically inert under normal conditions
- Incompatibilities: Strong acids and alkalis can alter clay structure
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in dry, well-ventilated areas to avoid moisture absorption and caking
- Container Type: Sealed bags or drums, moisture-proof packaging preferred
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if kept dry and uncontaminated
- Special Handling: Minimize dust generation; use dust masks in dusty environments
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Generally recognized as safe for many uses (e.g., FDA approved for food contact)
- Transportation: Non-hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life; biodegradable
- Persistence: Naturally occurring mineral, stable in environment
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Biodegradability: Inorganic mineral, not biodegradable but environmentally benign
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Use gloves, dust masks or respirators, and safety goggles when handling powder to prevent inhalation and eye contact.
- Dust Control: Employ local exhaust ventilation and dust suppression techniques.
- Hygiene: Avoid inhalation of dust; wash hands after use; no eating or smoking in work areas.
- Storage: Keep dry to avoid clumping and microbial growth.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.
- Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation occurs.
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical advice if large quantities ingested.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; dust may present minor explosion hazard in high concentrations.
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate for surrounding fire.
- Special Precautions: Avoid creating dust clouds; wear protective equipment to prevent inhalation.
Related products
Activated Carbon
Aluminum Ammonium Sulphate
Aquasol
Avocado wax
Safety Handling Precautions
- Use gloves and safety goggles to avoid skin and eye irritation.
- Store away from ignition sources as the wax is combustible but with low flammability risk.
- Handle in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of dust or fumes during processing.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory irritation occurs; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops.
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation continues.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical advice if large quantities are ingested.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; may burn producing smoke and toxic fumes.
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers. Avoid water jets which may spread fire.
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).