A clay base desiccant processed from activated bentonite clay of volcanic ash origin. Natural non toxic fine clay that absorbs 50% of its weight in water. Cost effective cheaper than silica gel desiccant and can be reactivated by heating to 120 – 150°C.
Common application in packaging as humidity drier, slick drilling mud, ceramics for plasticity, agricultural sandy soil amendment, cat’s litter bin with granular perlite, cement rheology modifier in cement sculpture in 1% – 2 % as thixotropic sculptural cement. Dry mix to cement mortar before dosing with water into a well mixed stiff paste to avoid stickiness. Over dose will reduce cement strength. Generally used in 2D cement sculpture. For 3D cement sculpture free standing feature requires addition of cellulose fibres like Bww40. In metal casting with sand, bentonite is a binder as used in foundry. Batik craft as wax resist.
Sorbgel ability to absorb water will clump cat’s urine into ball structure easy to sieve and discard. Addition of granular perlite in suggested ratio 40 : 60 perlite helps in aeration and organic decomposition. Helps in odour control. Mix in pandan strips for natural fragrance. Perlite and bentonite for overall light weight mixture for mobility helps in litter sun drying and rejuvenation.
A natural non toxic clay chemical free and a skin safe alternative to wax resist. Mix into a toothpaste consistency with water or sodium silicate binder creates crackle effect in batik dyeing. As well as line resist with brush or canting tool. Easy to remove in washing though not as durable as batik wax that requires boiling.
Bentonite heat tolerance and sodium silicate water glass ability to withstand temperatures up to 1100°C is a perfect combination with sand in foundry metal casting. These materials are used in sand molding to cast aluminium, brass, copper and steel. Knife crafters use this bentonite clay combination or with mullite thermal resistance properties in coating sword, knives to form Katana hamon pattern as artistry signature. Clay also assist in heat insulation in knives hardening to avoid metal brittleness. Construction and repair of furnaces, pizza ovens with perlite and bentonite clay for its insulation properties.
