About bentonite

Bentonite is commonly referred to as clay containing at least 70% of the mineral montmorillonite. Montmorillonite (hereinafter referred to as MM) is a highly dispersed layered aluminosilicate, the specific surface area of which can reach 800 m²/g. The crystal lattice of MM consists of silicate layers formed by two tetrahedral silica-oxygen meshes connected by an octahedral alumino-oxygen mesh by fusion with it through common apical oxygen atoms. Moreover, a characteristic feature of MM is that in the octahedral layer a part of trivalent aluminum atoms is replaced by atoms of divalent cations due to which silicate layers acquire excessive negative charge, which is compensated by cations located between the layers.

Bentonite for iron ore raw materials

In metallurgy, bentonite is used as a binding additive in the production of iron ore pellets, agglomerate and briquets of metallurgical waste.

Bentonite for casting

Casting is the most universal way to produce workpieces from metals. Currently, more than 100 different casting methods are known. However, the majority of ferrous metal castings (cast iron, steel) are produced in sand-clay molds (green sand) consisting of molding sand (usually quartz), clay binder and technological additives. Bentonite clays are used as a binder in such sand-clay mixtures.

Bentonite for waterproofing

Geosynthetic Clay Liners are geosynthetic waterproofing materials with bentonite granules or powder, uniformly distributed in a geotextile frame. Geosynthetic clay liners are used to create anti-seepage screens, as well as to protect buried parts of building structures from moisture, and to prevent the penetration of pollutants into the soil and groundwater.

Bentonite for the oil and gas industry

Bentonite is a highly dispersed gel-forming base for drilling fluids for construction of oil and gas, exploration and other wells, as well as tunnels and crossings. Optimal structural and mechanical properties of bentonite slurry provide effective removal of drilled rock, increase stability of borehole walls and contribute to maximum speed of facilities construction.

Bentonite for construction

Bentonite, due to its properties of viscous and flowing solution formation, high thixotropy, water adsorption and high dispersibility, is used:

• In the construction of tunnels, including subways;
• As part of the “diaphragm wall” technology;
• As an injection solution for repair and restoration of waterproofing of underground parts of buildings, prevention of migration of pollutants and installation of impervious curtains;
• As part of injection and grouting mortars, which are effective for crack sealing and filling voids, including in the construction of hydroelectric power plants;
• As a waterproofing barrier material for the installation of impervious screens.

Bentonite for agriculture

Bentonite in agriculture is used as a mineral component in the production of feed additives, fodder mixtures, mixed fodder for all types of farm animals, including birds and fish. Bentonite improves feed digestibility, helps to increase immunity and the average daily weight gain of animals.

Bentonite for winemaking

Bentonite is used in the wine industry to clarify musts, wine materials and high-quality wines against proteinaceous, reversible colloidal and biochemical turbidity and to stabilize them.

Bentonite for cat litter

Bentonite clay has a high binding capacity and good adsorption properties, which allows it to be used for the production of clumping cat litter.