DCH Inc's Bentonite
Bentonite is a type of naturally occurring clay containing montmorillonite, a mineral with special properties that make it useful commercially. These properties include montmorillonite’s sub-micron platelet structure, extremely high surface area of about 800 square meters per gram, and the negative charge within each platelet that is balanced by exchangeable cations.
Bentonites are classified as sodium or calcium types based on the predominant exchangeable cations between the clay layers. Sodium bentonites swell greatly in water since sodium ions (Na+) allow water between the layers. Calcium bentonites (with mostly Ca++ ions) swell much less because the calcium ions restrict water entry.
Bentonite clay has a wide range of commercial and specialty applications thanks to its versatility and ability to be selectively mined and modified for specific uses. Major applications include foundry binders, building waterproofing, cat litter, environmental liners, iron pelletizing, drilling muds, oil and juice clarification, animal feeds, and wine clarification. More specialized uses include asphalt, catalysts, cosmetics, paints, and pharmaceuticals.