Clay Nanopowders

Montmorillonite nanoclay is utilized as a drug carrier system and as an additive. Composites of Montmorillonite for the applications in Drug delivery systems can be manufactured through the utililization of anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants to enhance basal spacing resulting in organoclay to be employed in drug loading and drug release.

Cation-exchange modified montmorillonite is widely used in the dimerization of fatty acids, be- cause MMT is a natural raw material, abundant in nature, easy to use, and has excellent physicochemical properties. The hydrophilicity of montmorillonite affects the adsorption and mass transfer of unsaturated fatty acids. The amount, type, and intensity of interlayer catalytic sites all affect the catalytic properties of montmorillonite. Overall, the lipophilicity of montmorillonite can be improved by the lipophilic properties of LiCl, and the catalytic performance of montmorillonite enhanced by the presence of lithium ions.

Montmorillonite is utilized as a component of drilling mud in the oil drilling industry. It is slurry viscous which enhance in keeping drill bit cool and removing the drilled solids. It is also employed as a soil additive to hold soil water in drought-prone soils. Moreover, utilization of the montmorillonite in the construction of earthen dams and to prevent the leakage of fluids. This clay is used as dessicant to eliminate moisture from air and gasses.

Sodium montmorillonite exhibits adsorbent and clumping properties so it is ustilised as the base of some cat litter products. Other uses involves as an anticaking agent in animal feed, in paper making to decrease deposit formation, and as a retention and drainage aid component. Lastly, this clay has also been used in cosmetics.