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Preparation
and Activation of Crude Bentonite
The
processing of the raw clay begins with its preparation i.e.,
the Bentonite is purified by separating and removing the
accompanying natural minerals viz silica, Quartz, Mica,
Feldspar etc.
ACTIVATION:
The prepared Bentonite, as a fine suspension, is then
subjected to the effect of mineral acid. The outer calcium
ions are replaced by H+- ions at the first stage of acid
activation.
A so called
H-Bentonite is formed. In the course of further activation the
individual layers are directly attacked by mineral acid and
various ions, such as Aluminium, iron calcium and magnesium
ions are removed from the lattice. The acid can now penetrate
deeper and deeper from the surface of the crystal into the
crystal structure of the individual layer, which result in an
increased surface area of these crystal platelets and the
formation of active acid sites. At this stage, optimal acid
activation is achieved. Further chemical treatment would again
reduce the activity and cause complete dissolution of the
crystal as well as the generation of silicic acid.
At this
point, the acid activated clay has the best bleaching
properties. It is obvious to capture this moment
Complete
mastery over clay processing technology and experience are
necessary to produce Bleaching Earths in the market with
consistently high bleachibility bear evidence to the fact that
we have made good
mastery over the activation process.
The
activation process imparts the following properties to the
crude raw material.
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