Hectorite Application:

ADHESIVES. . . as a thickener
Some liquid adhesives are strong, but thin (low viscosity). When adhesives are thin, they soak too quickly into porous papers and are reduced in efficiency. Adding sodium bentonite or hectorite to a thin adhesive instantly creates a thickened adhesive that sits on top of porous paper -- the penetration is controlled. Bentonite or hectorite is usually just blended with a liquid adhesive. Improved gelling is accomplished by premixing these clays with a little fresh water, then adding the clay premix to the adhesive until the right balance of properties is reached.

DETERGENT. . . as a colloid
Detergents consist of an alkali to loosen dirt and grease, an emulsifier to hold oil and grease, and a protective colloid to prevent soil particles from redeposition in the fabric. Sodium bentonite, such as Polargel T or hectorite, such as Hectalite 200, are selected for use in detergents on the basis of all of these actions, although very mild in alkalinity. It acts not merely as a filler, but as an active agent when added to detergent formulas.

PRINTING. . . as a suspending agent
In the process of printing, some inks do not dry rapidly and may offset from one sheet to the back of the sheet stacked above it. A common cure for this problem is starch, held suspended by a thin hectorite or white bentonite suspension.

INSECTICIDES. . . as a carrier
Volclay powder is an active carrier in the formulation of dust insecticides. Volclay clings to the plant and is held in place by traces of moisture on the plant, thus reducing loss of toxicant due to blowing and dusting. Sodium bentonites, such as Volclay HPM-20, impregnate easily with poisons dissolved in an organic solvent. This toxicant solution is sprayed on Volclay and tumbled until the solvent has essentially evaporated. This leaves a film of poison impregnated in and on the Volclay products. Powder insecticides may be applied by airplane or ground applicators. They have the ability to penetrate dense foliage and are useful in corn borer and mosquito control.

PENCILS & GRAPHITE. . . as a binder
In the manufacture of graphite pencils, air-classified grades of Volclay sodium bentonite and micronized hectorite are regularly used to bind the graphite compound in pencil lead.

POLISHES. . . as a thickener
Small amounts of hectorite and magnesium aluminum silicate added to the suspension type of polish, or 5% to 10% for the paste type of polish keeps the product in uniform suspension for long periods of time. These clays increase the consistency, makes spreading and removal easier.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. . . as a binder, suspension aid and stabilizer
Small quantities of air-classified bentonite or hectorite impart stabilization of aerosols and cleaning compounds due to the large surface area of bentonites, and even greater surface area of hectorites. Both hectorite and bentonite are compatible with organic gums and associative thickeners, modify the consistency and feel of organic thickeners by reducing tackiness, gumminess and stringiness.

WELDING RODS. . . as a binder
Hectorite is used in welding rod coatings. It is used as a binder to adhere the various fluxing materials to the welding rod. It also acts as a suspending agent in the coating solution.