Method of Identification of Bentonite for Industrial Application

Bentonite is naturally occurring clay predominantly composed of smectite minerals. The main uses of bentonite are for drilling mud, binder, absorbent, purifier and as ground water barrier. The total resources of Bentonite in India as per UNFC system as on 2010 are about 568 million tonnes occurring predominantly in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Bentonite exhibits various properties such as swelling, high surface area, high liquid limit; which varies from source to source. Thus their testing before put to any application becomes necessary. In this work, a methodology of identification of bentonite is specified which highlights quick and easier identification of the material and its use in industrial application without taking the research to microscopic level of examination.