Sodium bentonite granules swell strongly in water and form a low-permeability seal or gel. That is why they are chosen for sealing ponds, canals and wells, for clumping cat litter and for geosynthetic clay liners, while calcium granules are chosen as carriers and absorbents.
Technical Specifications
Sodium vs calcium bentonite: which do you need?
Sodium bentonite swells many times its size in water and forms a seal or gel; calcium bentonite barely swells and is valued as an absorbent carrier. That one property decides who buys each grade. This page covers sodium bentonite.
| Sodium bentonite | Calcium bentonite | |
|---|---|---|
| Key behaviour | Swells strongly, forms gel and low-permeability seal | Low swell, high absorbency, holds liquids |
| Granule uses | Pond, lake and canal sealing; borehole and well annulus sealing; landfill and geosynthetic clay liners; clumping cat litter | Carrier granules for pesticides, bio-fertilizers and micronutrients (10x20, 16x35 mesh); soil conditioner; non-clumping litter; oil and spill absorbent |
| Powder uses | Drilling mud (oil, water well, HDD); iron ore pelletizing binder (75 micron); foundry green sand; sulphur-bentonite fertilizer (90:10); diaphragm wall and piling slurry; wine and juice fining | Fertilizer granulation binder; bleaching earth after acid activation (edible oil refining); ceramics; cosmetics and face packs |
| Main buyers | Drilling contractors, steel and pellet plants, foundries, cat litter brands, pond and landfill contractors, GCL makers, sulphur fertilizer makers | Agrochemical and bio-fertilizer formulators, NPK plants, oil refineries, ceramic and cosmetic makers |
| Tests buyers ask for | Swell index (ml/2g), gel/viscosity, fluid loss, moisture, mesh | Absorption (oil/water), crush strength, mesh, moisture, pH, dust |
Much “sodium bentonite” sold in India is calcium bentonite treated with soda ash (activated sodium). Ask for the swell index (ml/2g) and whether a grade is natural or activated before you order.
Read the full guide: sodium vs calcium bentonite powderRequest a Quote
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For: Sodium Bentonite Granules
Who this is for
Pond, canal and reservoir lining contractors; borewell and water-well drillers who seal the annulus; cat litter brands and packers; geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) makers; and landfill and civil contractors. All of them buy on swell index, so ask for it on the certificate.
Granules, chips and powder
Fine granules hydrate fast and suit litter and liner manufacture. For sealing deep water, coarse chips or pellets sink before they swell; fine granules can hydrate too early and bridge. We currently list carrier chips, not sealing chips, so tell us the depth and the job.
Natural or activated sodium
Much sodium bentonite sold in India is calcium bentonite treated with soda ash. Both can work; what matters is the swell index of the batch you are sent. We state the type and swell index on the quote and the certificate.
Related Products
View full categoryFrequently Asked Questions
What swell index does your sodium bentonite have?
The swell index (ml/2g) of the grade is [TBC: swell index of sodium bentonite granules]. It is also printed on each batch certificate.
Is sodium bentonite different from calcium bentonite?
Yes. Sodium bentonite swells and seals; calcium bentonite absorbs and carries. See the comparison table on this page.
Do you export sodium bentonite granules?
HS code 2508 10 90 (Bentonite, processed and ground). Terms: FOB, CFR or CIF from a Gujarat port; EXW Thordi on request. Documents: Commercial invoice with HS code; Packing list with batch numbers and net weights; Bill of lading; Certificate of origin.