Sodium bentonite

Sodium bentonite (CAS 85049-30-5), also known by the food additive designation E558, is a naturally occurring swelling clay mineral processed for industrial use.

Where is Sodium bentonite used?

• Water treatment and civil engineering: lining containment ponds, landfill cells, and slurry walls, where self-sealing properties prevent groundwater contamination
• Oil, gas, and mining drilling: formulating water-based drilling muds that stabilize boreholes and carry drill cuttings to the surface
• Foundry and metalworking: binder in green sand casting molds, holding sand grains together under heat and pressure
• Pulp and paper: pitch control agent and retention aid to improve sheet formation and reduce resin deposits on equipment
• It acts as a rheology modifier, sealant, and binder in heavy industries.

Good to know: Particle size and swelling index are the primary specification parameters buyers use to qualify material for specific end uses.