Archaeological studies indicate that 5000 years before Christ, bentonite was used for washing and thickening woolen fabrics. Since then, bentonite has had various uses, including bleaching or refining vegetable and animal oils. In the 20th century, researchers and industrialists discovered the miracle of bentonite, realizing its potential in water purification, oil well drilling, construction materials, and cosmetic and healthcare industries. In this article, we intend to discuss the properties and applications of bentonite and finally introduce a reliable way to purchase high-quality bentonite.
What is Bentonite? An Overview of this Versatile Mineral
Bentonite is a mineral substance belonging to the group of clays or clay-like materials, formed from swollen minerals typically containing montmorillonite and minor amounts of beidellite. Therefore, bentonite refers to a clay that contains 85 to 90 percent montmorillonite mineral.
Bentonite is primarily divided into two types: “swell or sodium-rich” and “non-swell or calcium-rich.” Sodium-rich bentonite exhibits higher ion absorption, plasticity, expansion, and contraction compared to the calcium-rich type. Swell or sodium-rich bentonites can absorb and expand several times their normal volume of water, acquiring a gelatinous, plastic, and adhesive consistency. This type of bentonite is commonly used in oil well drilling and water purification.
Organophilic bentonite is another type used for its water-repellent properties in applications such as coatings and paints. Calcium bentonite, on the other hand, is utilized for its high thermal stability in applications such as metal casting.
Key Properties and Features of Bentonite
In this section of the article, we will discuss the most important properties and features of bentonite—those characteristics that make this mineral useful across various industries.
- Excellent water absorption ability: Bentonite possesses an extraordinary ability to absorb water, up to three times its own weight. This remarkable property makes bentonite highly suitable for applications like water purification, oil well drilling, and construction materials production. Bentonite’s water absorption prowess is also the primary reason behind its use in cat litter.
- Swelling upon hydration: Another feature of bentonite is its ability to swell and increase in volume several times when it becomes wet. This characteristic finds applications in sealants, as bentonite can fill and seal gaps and cracks.
- Gel Formation: Bentonite can combine with water to form a gel. This gel can be used as a stabilizer, lubricant, and sealant.
- Abundance and affordability: Bentonite is a naturally occurring mineral found in abundance worldwide. This wide availability ensures easy access and cost-effectiveness, making bentonite an economically viable choice for numerous applications. Compared to other minerals with similar properties, bentonite generally offers a more favorable price point.
These properties have led to the widespread use of bentonite in different industries, turning it into a highly versatile material. In the following sections, we will explore the applications of this mineral in various industries.
Applications of Bentonite in Various Industries
Here, we highlight some of the most important applications of bentonite in different industries. These diverse uses are considered some of the key wonders of bentonite.
- Foundry industry: Bentonite is an ideal material for making sand molds that can withstand the weight of molten metal during the casting process. Additionally, bentonite is highly heat-resistant and can maintain its shape at high temperatures without melting or deforming.
- Water treatment: Bentonite effectively removes various contaminants from water, including suspended particles, organic matter, heavy metals, and toxins. Its porous structure and high active surface area enable it to trap and eliminate these impurities efficiently.
- Oil well drilling: Bentonite is a primary component in drilling mud. Its main roles are sealing the walls of the well and lubricating the drill bit during cutting. It can also reinforce weaker well walls.
- Steel industry: In direct steelmaking, iron ore powder is first converted into pellets before being reduced to sponge iron in specialized furnaces. During pelletization, iron ore fines are mixed with water and additives like calcium hydroxide, lime, bentonite, and various organic and inorganic binders. This mixture is then rotated in a pelletizer to form the desired pellets.
- Food industry: Food-grade bentonite is used to remove impurities from common edible oils. Its adsorption properties are essential in processing edible oils and fats (soybean oil, palm oil, and canola oil). Bentonite also serves as a clarifying agent in some industrial beverages, mineral waters, and products like sugar or honey.
- Detergents: Bentonite finds applications in detergents and liquid hand cleaners, soaps, and certain cleaning agents to eliminate impurities present in these products.
- Grounding systems: One of the main functions of a grounding system is to direct unwanted electrical currents to the ground. Bentonite increases the contact surface between the ground electrode and the soil, reducing the soil’s electrical resistance and improving electrical conductivity. The bentonite gel acts as a protective layer, shielding the ground electrode from corrosion and erosion caused by environmental factors such as moisture, acids, and bases. This increases the electrode’s lifespan and prevents a gradual decline in the grounding system’s effectiveness.
Purchasing Bentonite from the Best Manufacturers Worldwide
Currently, various companies around the world are engaged in the extraction and processing (commonly referred to as production) of bentonite. These companies price and sell their products based on factors such as the quality of raw materials, equipment, production methods, transportation costs, labor costs, and more.
If you wish to purchase high-quality bentonite at a reasonable price from the best producers globally, you can rely on Ishtar Company. This company is connected with the top bentonite producers and can provide you with high-quality and cost-effective products.
Bentonite Price
Bentonite producers and suppliers worldwide have different strategies for pricing their products. Typically, the price varies depending on the order volume, transportation costs, the producer’s brand, and the quality of the raw materials. If you would like to know the exact price of bentonite, simply contact (+971) 524403255. The experts at Ishtar Company will provide you with all the necessary information.
Ishtar Company: Your Trusted Supplier of High-Quality Bentonite in the Middle East
In 2023, the global market value of bentonite was $1.91 billion, and it is projected to reach $3.21 billion by 2032. These figures indicate a growing demand for bentonite year by year, with companies striving to provide higher quality bentonite to the market.
If you are looking to purchase high-quality and cost-effective bentonite, it is recommended to turn to reputable and experienced companies. These companies leverage their expertise and experience to deliver valuable and high-quality products to their customers.
One of the experienced and reputable suppliers of bentonite in the Middle East is Ishtar Company. As a subsidiary of Barus Holding Group, Ishtar Company strives to provide high-quality bentonite at competitive prices to its clients. The minimum order quantity for purchasing bentonite from Ishtar Company is 25 tons. Depending on the order volume, the company delivers bentonite in bulk or jumbo bags based on FOB, CFR, and ASWP terms.
For placing an order or obtaining more information about bentonite, please contact (+971) 524403255.
