Bentonite

Bentonite has been known for its unique properties for many years. Its ability to absorb toxins and impurities has been used in medicine and agriculture, and its use in construction, drilling, and industrial applications has further enhanced its value. As research continues to explore its benefits, bentonite continues to be the focus of both traditional and modern methods. Bentonite is also known as Armenian clay in traditional medicine. What is bentonite? Bentonite is a natural clay that is formed from the decomposition of volcanic ash, usually in marine environments, as volcanic ash undergoes a series of processes. Bentonite is composed of a large amount of a mineral called montmorillonite, which is known for its ability to absorb water and swell greatly. This material absorbs water when hydrated and can expand to many times its original volume, and can also absorb water and dry out again many times without losing its swelling properties. Bentonite deposits are found in many parts of the world, such as the United States, Greece, Turkey, India, and China. The largest deposits are located in the western United States. Bentonite deposits usually have a layered or stratified appearance, which is caused by the deposition of volcanic ash over time. Buying and selling bentonite With the advancement of technology, buying bentonite online has become a common method. Specialized websites and online stores offer bentonite with technical specifications, prices, and relevant information. Customers can choose the best option by comparing prices and features. Also, many bentonite manufacturers have agents and distributors in different regions who sell their products. These agencies usually provide me with technical advice. Bentonite and its types based on chemical composition Bentonite can be divided into two main types based on the cations (positive ions) present in its structure: 1- Calcium bentonite Calcium bentonite is more commonly found in nature and this type of clay is known for its lower swelling capacity than sodium bentonite. It is considered a non-swelling clay. Calcium bentonite contains calcium ions (⁺Ca²), which affect its physical and chemical properties. When hydrated, the clay particles in calcium bentonite remain relatively close together, with an average distance of about 10 angstroms, which makes it less swollen than sodium bentonite. Calcium bentonite acts as an effective adsorbent for fats and oils, and its structure allows it to adsorb and bind various materials, making it useful in applications such as oil and grease absorption in cosmetics and cleaning products in industrial processes. 2- Sodium bentonite A soluble sodium salt such as sodium carbonate is added to calcium bentonites to convert them into sodium bentonite. This conversion increases the swelling capacity and absorption properties, making it suitable for certain industrial applications. It has a high capacity to absorb water and can swell to 12 to 15 times its original volume when hydrated. The distance between clay particles in sodium bentonite when hydrated reaches an average of about 100 angstroms. These properties make it suitable for applications such as sealants, drilling muds, wastewater treatment, and a binding agent in casting. Bentonite: Clay Applications Bentonite is a versatile mineral that has many applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it valuable in the following applications: Iron and Steel Industry Bentonite is primarily used as a binder with iron ore and water in the iron ore pelletizing process. The swelling property of this material allows it to significantly convert fine iron ore particles into pellets, which are then used as a raw material in blast furnaces to produce pig iron. This process, which is performed on smaller iron ore particles, is used to increase iron production and improve the overall quality of the steel produced. Well Drilling and Civil Engineering Bentonite is used as a drilling mud in oil and water well drilling. When mixed with water, it forms a slurry and has several functions, including cooling and lubricating the drill bit, strengthening the walls of the hole. The high viscosity of bentonite slurries prevents wall collapse and maintains hole stability during drilling operations. Wastewater Treatment Bentonite is used in wastewater treatment due to its ion exchange and flocculation properties. First, wastewater enters a reaction tank, then bentonite is added to it and mixed together. This material helps clarify water by binding to suspended particles in water and allowing these flocs to settle well. This process improves water quality, especially in the treatment of industrial wastewater and municipal wastewater. Industrial Purification In industry, calcium bentonite is used as an adsorbent and clarifying agent. It absorbs impurities in oils and fats and improves the quality of edible oils. The high adsorption capacity of this material allows it to also adsorb contaminants, making it a valuable component in the treatment process. Landfill Sealant When bentonite is fully hydrated, it swells and forms an impermeable barrier, making it an effective sealant used in the construction of landfills. Its ability to swell and form a low-permeability barrier helps prevent leachate from seeping into the soil and contaminating groundwater. This property is critical for environmental protection in landfills and waste storage facilities. Foundry Mold Making Bentonite is a key component in molding sands for metal casting. It acts as a binder and provides the necessary strength and stability to the mold. Bentonite’s unique properties allow molds to withstand high temperatures and maintain their shape during the casting process, resulting in higher quality products. Pet Care Products Calcium bentonite is commonly used in cat litter products, where its absorbent nature helps control odor and absorb moisture. In addition to absorbing odor and moisture, this product also prevents the spread of fine particles into the environment, creating a clean and hygienic environment for the animal. Treating Digestive Disorders In the medical field, calcium bentonite is used as a natural treatment for digestive disorders. Its absorbent properties allow it to bind to toxins and harmful substances in the digestive tract and help eliminate them from the body. Bentonite is sometimes included in dietary supplements that help improve gut health and detoxification. Agriculture Bentonite helps retain nutrients and soil moisture, especially in sandy soils, in semi-arid regions where moisture retention is critical for crop growth. It can significantly increase the water-holding capacity of the soil and prevent nutrient leaching, thereby helping to maintain soil fertility and reducing the risk of contamination by groundwater. Animal Feed Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb toxins and pathogens, which helps reduce digestive diseases and improve health, and increases livestock resistance to stressful conditions. In addition, adding bentonite to animal feed can help balance minerals in their bodies. Bentonite: Mining and Processing Bentonite is mainly mined from open pit mines. The mining process begins by removing the soil and rock cover on the deposits to access the clay beneath. Once the bentonite clay is exposed, it is extracted using heavy machinery, which can include bulldozers and excavators. The extracted material usually contains 30% moisture, which requires further processing. – After extraction, the raw bentonite is crushed to reduce its size and make it easier to transport. This is usually done using jaw or impact crushers. After crushing, the material is screened to separate the fine particles from the coarser particles. – Bentonite often needs to be dried to reduce the moisture content. This drying step is done by sunlight or using rotary dryers. The remaining moisture content varies depending on the intended application of the material, but is usually between 5% and 15%. – After drying, the bentonite is ground into a fine powder using mills such as ball mills or Raymond mills. This step is crucial to achieving the desired particle size and surface finish, which is essential for various industrial applications. – Finally, the processed bentonite is packaged according to industry standards for distribution. This step may involve bulk packaging for industrial use or smaller packaging for retail applications. Bentonite Market and Its Future The global bentonite market is set to witness significant growth in the coming years, with forecasts indicating that the market size will reach $3.5 billion by the next 9 years, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2033. This growth is driven by a variety of factors, including increasing construction activities, increasing demand for water and wastewater treatment, and the increasing use of bentonite in food and cosmetic products. Researchers are exploring new applications for bentonite, especially in industries such as pharmaceuticals, where demand for bentonite in the pharmaceutical field is expected to increase. Bentonite is used in the formulation of drugs and topical creams due to its unique properties, and further research in this area could lead to the expansion of new products. While the US and Europe have been the major markets for bentonite, researchers are also exploring emerging markets in the Asian regions. Countries such as China and India, with large populations and rapidly growing economies, have significant growth potential for the bentonite market. Researchers are studying the bentonite reserves in these regions and developing new developments to suit the needs of the region.