Bentonite

Bentonite is a type of clay that is formed from the weathering of volcanic ash.

It is a smectite clay, which means that it has a high-water content and can swell to many times its original size when it is wet.

Bentonite is a versatile material that has a wide variety of uses, including:

Drilling mud: Bentonite is used in drilling mud to help lubricate the drill bit and to prevent the formation of cuttings.

Pet food: Bentonite is added to pet food to help bind the food together and to absorb moisture.

Water treatment: Bentonite is used to remove impurities from water, such as heavy metals and bacteria.

Sewage treatment: Bentonite is used to help settle solids in sewage treatment plants.

Oil spill cleanup: Bentonite is used to soak up oil spills and to help prevent the oil from spreading.

Animal bedding: Bentonite is used as animal bedding to help absorb moisture and to reduce odors.

Construction: Bentonite is used in construction to help seal cracks and to prevent erosion.

Bentonite is a safe and environmentally friendly material. It is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Here are some additional details about the properties of bentonite:

Bentonite is a very absorbent material. It can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water.

Bentonite is a thixotropic material. This means that it becomes more fluid when it is sheared, such as when it is stirred or pumped.

Bentonite is a colloidal material. This means that it consists of very small particles that are suspended in a liquid.

Bentonite is a fire-resistant material. It can withstand temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bentonite is a valuable material with a wide variety of uses. It is a safe and environmentally friendly material that is used in a variety of industries.