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sodium bentonite
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sodium bentonite

chemical compound
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Sodium bentonite is a type of clay formed from volcanic ash that has been altered by water. It is primarily composed of smectite clay minerals, which are hydrous aluminum silicates containing sodium. A key characteristic of sodium bentonite is its ability to absorb large amounts of water, causing it to swell significantly and form a gel-like substance.1

This property makes it useful in various applications, including sealing dams, bonding materials, and as drilling muds. It is also used in cements, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and for water clarification and softening. Sodium bentonite is a variety of bentonite, which was named after Fort Benton, Montana. Montmorillonite minerals are the main components of bentonite.12

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. bentonite
  2. montmorillonite
  3. sodium - Reaction with nonmetals
  4. What are the Uses of borax?

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