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. Its high swelling capacity and colloidal behavior make it a primary rheology modifier, sealant, and binder across heavy industries.

In water treatment and civil engineering, it is used to line containment ponds, landfill cells, and slurry walls, where its self-sealing properties prevent groundwater contamination. Drilling operations in oil, gas, and mining rely on it to formulate water-based drilling muds.

These muds stabilize boreholes and carry drill cuttings to the surface. Foundry and metalworking applications use the material as a binder in green sand casting molds, where it holds sand grains together under heat and pressure.

Pulp and paper producers apply it as a pitch control agent and retention aid to improve sheet formation and reduce resin deposits on equipment. This versatile mineral is essential for maintaining efficiency in high-temperature manufacturing environments.

The product is supplied as a dry powder, granules, or coarse chips depending on the application. Standard grades include technical, drilling-grade, and civil engineering grades that meet specific industrial requirements for viscosity and filtration.

Particle size and swelling index are the primary specification parameters buyers use to qualify material for specific end uses. Ensuring the material meets the necessary performance benchmarks is critical for large-scale infrastructure and mining projects.