BENTONITE

• Iron Ore Pelletizing

Bentonite is used as a binding agent in the production of iron ore pellets. Through this process, iron ore fines are converted into spherical pellets, suitable as feed material in blast furnaces for pig iron production, or in the production of direct reduction iron (DRI).

High water absorbing capacity

High montmorillonite content

Low controlled moisture

Has good balling properties

Very low levels of silica, alumina and high ferric oxide which has a positive effect on the chemistry of the iron ore pellets

• Foundry

Bentonite is used as a bonding material in the preparation of molding sand for the production of iron, steel and non-ferrous casting.

High water absorbing capacity

Has good flow ability

High thermal stability

High cohesive strength and maintains mould strength in pressure casting

• Construction and Civil Engineering

Bentonite is used traditionally as a thixotropic, support and lubricant agent in diaphragm walls and foundations, in tunnelling, in horizontal directional drilling and pipe jacking. Bentonite, due to its viscosity and plasticity, also is used in Portland cement and mortars.

High water absorbing capacity

Fine particle size penetrates deep into cleavages and cracks to clog pores

Thixotropic properties retained even in highly saline conditions

• Drilling

Another conventional use of bentonite is as a mud constituent for oil and water well drilling. Its roles are mainly to seal the borehole walls, to remove drill cuttings and to lubricate the cutting head.

• Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetics and Medical Markets: Bentonite is used as filler in pharmaceuticals, and due to its absorption/adsorption functions, it allows paste formation.

Non-toxic, non-abrasive and a neutral base for most pharmaceuticals

• Agriculture

Bentonite is used as an animal feed supplement, and also as a pelletizing aid in the production of animal feed pellets. It also is used as an ion exchanger for improvement and conditioning of the soil. When thermally treated, it can be used as a porous ceramic carrier for various herbicides and pesticides.

High swelling properties to bind the various feed ingredients

Pellet hardness is retained for a longer period of time, hence minimizing feed losses

High absorption properties enables it to work as a toxin binder

• Paper

Bentonite is used in pitch control, i.e. absorption of wood resins that tend to obstruct the machines and to improve the efficiency of conversion of pulp into paper as well as to improve the quality of the paper. In addition, acid-activated bentonite is used as the active component in the manufacture of carbonless copy paper.

Cost effective

Easy to apply

Modified for optimum performance

• Soaps and Detergents

Laundry detergents and liquid hand cleansers/soaps rely on the inclusion of bentonite to remove the impurities in solvents and to soften the fabrics.

Excellent absorption properties to facilitate oil absorption

Non-abrasive property to soften the surface

• Oils/Food Markets

Bentonite is utilized in the removal of impurities in oils where its adsorptive 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, bentonite is used as a clarification agent.

• Cat Litter

Bentonite is used for cat litter, due to its advantage of absorbing refuse by forming clumps (which can be easily removed) leaving the remaining product intact for further use.

Light coloured cat litter with excellent clumping properties

Wide range of cat litters, bentonite based heavy weight cat litters and attapulgite based light weight cat litter