bentoniitti

Bentonite is a clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite, a type of smectite group mineral. It is formed by the alteration of volcanic ash in marine environments. The name bentonite comes from the English village of Bentworth in Hampshire, where it was first mined. It is known for its ability to swell when wet, making it useful in various applications.

Bentonite is primarily composed of the mineral montmorillonite, which has a high cation exchange capacity. This property makes bentonite useful in water purification, as it can absorb and remove impurities. It is also used as a drilling fluid in the oil and gas industry, where its ability to form a gel-like substance helps to stabilize boreholes.

In agriculture, bentonite is used as a soil conditioner and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers. It can improve soil structure, increase water retention, and reduce erosion. In the pharmaceutical industry, bentonite is used as a binder in tablets and as a carrier for active ingredients.

Bentonite is also used in the construction industry as a component in grouts and sealants. Its ability to swell when wet makes it useful in sealing cracks and preventing water penetration. In the cosmetics industry, bentonite is used as a thickener and as a carrier for active ingredients.

Bentonite is mined in many countries around the world, including the United States, China, and India. It is typically extracted by surface mining methods, such as open-pit mining. The mining process involves crushing the bentonite and then drying and grinding it to produce a fine powder.