PT. TUNASINTI BHAKTIMAKMUR
INTRODUCTION
Bentonite is a soft clay substance composed essentially of clay minerals of the smectite (montmorillonite) group and is formed from in-situ chemical weathering of volcanic materials such as tuff or glass, volcanic ash, other igneous rocks, or from rocks of sedimentary origin. The nature of the weathering environment and the original composition of the volcanic material will generally determine the type of bentonite that is formed. The color of bentonite ranges from white to light olive green, cream, yellow, earthy red and brown. Bentonite feels and appears greasy or waxy and when wet is highly plastic and slippery.
There are two basic types of bentonite depending on whether they contain sodium or calcium in the crystal lattice.
1. Sodium/ Natrium Bentonite
Sodium/ Natrium bentonite contains sodium in the platy molecular structure, has strong swelling properties (ability to swell up to 15 times its dry volume when wet) and possesses a high dry-bonding strength.
Swelling bentonite has many uses due to its high plasticity and gelling property, its ability to take on large quantities of water and its capacity to swell to many times its dry volume. Swelling bentonite can be used as:
- a binder of foundry sand, whose use is still considered a major application
- water and oil well-drilling mud
- a palletizing and binding agent for iron ore prior to smelting
- a binder and digestive aid in animal feed
- a sealing agent for reservoirs, lagoons and other engineering projects
- a plasticizer in ceramic clay bodies
- in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medical markets
2. Calcium (Ca) Bentonite
Calcium bentonite contains calcium in its structure, has a far lower capacity to swell when wet and usually exhibits greater adsorptive characteristics.
Ca Bentonite is utilized in the removal of impurities in oils where its absorptive properties are crucial in the processing of edible oils and fats (soya /palm / canola oil). In drinks such as beer, wine and mineral water, and in products like sugar or honey, Ca bentonite is used as a clarification agent.
times its dry volume. Swelling bentonite can be used as:
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