Sepiolite

Characteristics :

• Non-swelling
• Lightweight
• High specific surface area
• Hydrophilic nature (due to the high density of silanol)
• Low cation exchange capacity (CEC)
• High porosity
• Remarkable adsorption and absorbion capabilities. It can absorb vapors, odors, and approximately its own weight of water and other liquids
• The granules of sepiolite do not disintegrate even when saturated with liquids
• Act as a good suspension agent
• Sepiolite-based rheological additive provide viscous fluids with thixotropic behavior when dispersed in water or other liquid systems

Applications :

• Moisture control agent
• Industrial spill absorbent
• Waste treatment absorbent for toxic and hazardous wastes
• Chemical transportation aid
• Additive in animal feed
• Used as cat litter
• Construction: Sepiolite enhances thixotropy, preventing sagging and improving the quality of finishes in mortars, plasters, and concrete.
• Filler in polymers and elastomers: to improve stability, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance.
• Used in fertilizers: to enhance stability and suspension of fluid fertilizers during spraying or fertigation applications.