Sepiolite

Sepiolite (CAS 63800-37-3), also known by the food additive designation E562, is a naturally occurring fibrous magnesium silicate clay mineral. It functions as a rheology modifier and anti-caking agent across a broad range of industrial and agricultural applications.

In building and construction, sepiolite is incorporated into mortars, renders, and joint compounds to control sag resistance and improve workability without excessive water demand. These properties ensure consistent application and durability in structural finishes.

Agricultural formulators use it as a carrier and flow conditioner for granular pesticides and fertilizers, improving handling and preventing clumping during storage. This ensures that active ingredients remain evenly distributed throughout the application process.

In home care and industrial cleaning products, it thickens liquid formulations and suspends active ingredients, maintaining product stability on shelf. This prevents sedimentation and ensures that the product remains effective over its entire lifecycle.

Rubber compounders incorporate sepiolite as a reinforcing filler and processing aid, contributing to dimensional stability in extruded and molded profiles. This improves the mechanical properties and longevity of the final rubber components.

Sepiolite is supplied as a fine powder or micronized powder, with particle size and surface treatment varying by application grade. Technical and industrial grades are the most common commercial forms for large scale manufacturing.

Food-grade material is available under the E562 designation for use in feed and food-contact applications. These grades meet specific purity requirements to ensure safety and compliance with international regulatory frameworks.

Rheological performance grades, including surface-modified variants sold under trade names such as PANGEL, are available for demanding suspension and thickening applications. These specialized grades offer superior performance in complex chemical environments.