HECTORITE GEL
Hectorite gel is a natural, soft, greasy, white clay mineral occurring in volcanic ash and tuff, used to thicken oil-phase systems.
Hectorite gel provides thermostable viscosity control of the emulsion’s oil phase, improves application properties, and enhances skin-feel by masking greasy or tacky components.
Hectorite gel offers predictable, reproducible, and stable viscosity control, shear-thinning viscosity, and excellent suspension of pigments and actives, making it ideal for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
CAS Number: 12173-47-6
EC Number: 235-340-0
Molecular Formula: H2LiMgNaO12Si4-2
Molecular Weight: 360.58645
Synonyms: HECTORITE, 12173-47-6, Hectorite (clay mineral), EINECS 235-340-0, UNII-08X4KI73EZ, 08X4KI73EZ, Hectorite ((Mg2.67Li0.33)Si4Na0.33(F0.5-1(OH)0-0.5)2O10), lithium, magnesium, sodium, 1,3,5,7-tetraoxido-2,4,6,8,9,10-hexaoxa-1,3,5,7-tetrasilatricyclo[5.1.1.13,5]decane, dihydroxide, Hectorite ((Mg2.67Li0.33)Si4Na0.33[F0.5-1(OH)0-0.5]2O10), HECTABRITE AW, HECTABRITE DP, HECTABRITE LT, ACCOFLOC HCX, SUMECTON HE, BENTONE CT, BENTONE HC, OPTIGEL SH, HECTORITE [MI], ASTRATONE 40, HECTORITE [INCI], HECTABRITE 200, KWLMIXQRALPRBC-UHFFFAOYSA-L, Q3129310, A MONTMORILLONITE MINERAL, A PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENT OF BENTONITE CLAY.
Hectorite gel is a component of other naturally occurring clays and hence may be suitable for use in similar pharmaceutical formulation applications as an adsorbent, oil-in-water emulsifying agent, suspending agent, or viscosity-increasing agent.
Hectorite gel is also available as a synthetic material. Hectorite is used to modify the thixotropic behavior of pharmaceutical dispersions and for stabilizing oil-inwater emulsion bases.
When combined with an appropriate cation, hectorite exhibits properties suitable for use as a contrast agent.
Hectorite gel is a very versatile dispersion of hectorite blended with triglyceride for adding viscosity of oil-phase systems.
Hectorite gel is a natural, soft, greasy, white clay mineral occurring in volcanic ash and tuff.
Hectorite gel can be used hot or cold to thicken oil phase systems.
Hectorite gel is enhances skin feel by masking greasy or tacky components.
Hectorite gel provides softness and silkiness to the skin and color cosmetics.
Hectorite gel possesses shear-thinning viscosity.
Hectorite gel help excellent suspension of pigments, actives and controlled alignment of special-effect pigments.
Hectorite gel is a gelling agent for the oil.
Suitable for use in makeup formulations or any kind of cosmetics with a mixture of essential oils.
Hectorite gel developed specifically to hold (suspend) pigment pigments in formulas for even distribution of pigments in all types of make-up.
Hectorite gel is a smectite clay mineral obtained from the hectorite mine in California, USA, which is the largest and the purest clay and with high purity Makes it whiter and smoother.
Compared to other types of clays that can act as a thickener for oils, such as Bentonite.
Hectorite gel has the ability to bind (suspension) pigments, pearl powders and other shimmering powders into the formula without precipitation and make the color spread completely.
Hectorite gel Soft is a specially prepared dispersion of a non-animal origin organically modified hectorite in Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
This grade is designed to impart rheological control and suspension to organic- and silicone-based cosmetics.
Hectorite gel is also particularly useful in emulsions and can be used in “cold process” systems.
Hectorite gel provides thermostable viscosity control of the emulsion’s oil phase, improves application properties, enhances skin-feel by masking greasy or tacky components and imparts a pleasant residual silkiness to the skin.
Hectorite gel is an alternative to traditional polymer or cellulose-based thickeners for stabilizing emulsions.
Very versatile dispersion of hectorite blended with isododecane for adding viscosity of oil-phase systems.
Hectorite gel is a natural, soft, greasy, white clay mineral occurring in volcanic ash and tuff light tan colored (buff) thick gel.
Hectorite gel is a specially prepared dispersion of a non-animal origin organically modified hectorite in Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
This grade is designed to impart rheological control and suspension to organic- and silicone-based cosmetics.
Hectorite gel is also particularly useful in emulsions and can be used in “cold process” systems.
Hectorite gel provides thermostable viscosity control of the emulsion’s oil phase, improves application properties, enhances skin-feel by masking greasy or tacky components and imparts a pleasant residual silkiness to the skin.
Hectorite gel is an alternative to traditional polymer or cellulose-based thickeners for stabilizing emulsions.
Hectorite gel is compliant with RSPO, Vegan, and ISO 16128 requirements.
Hectorite gel is a specially prepared dispersion of a non-animal origin organically modified hectorite in Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride.
This grade is designed to impart rheological control and suspension to organic-and silicone-based cosmetics.
Hectorite gel series presents a highly specialized portfolio of pre-dispersed gels to help the formulators achieve the right rheological properties for aqueous & non-aqueous formulations.
This range includes pre-dispersed & activated systems made from different types of cosmetic oils, esters & solvents, enabling excellent dispersibility of additives with minimum shearing.
Hectorite gels have very high viscosity & shear-thinning properties and are very easy to handle & use.
Hectorite gel by Elementis is a non-abrasive, non-animal origin rheological additive for cosmetics and toiletries.
Hectorite gel is a specially prepared dispersion of an organically modified hectorite in volatile silicone (pentamer).
Hectorite gel provides rheological control & suspension to organic- and silicone-based cosmetics and offers thermostable viscosity control of the emulsion’s oil phase.
Hectorite gel improves application properties and enhances skin-feel while masking greasy or tacky components and imparting a smooth and residual silky feel.
Hectorite gel is suitable as an alternative to traditional polymer or cellulose-based thickeners for stabilizing emulsions.
Hectorite gel offers predictable, reproducible & stable viscosity control, shear-thinning viscosity along with excellent suspension of pigments & actives.
Hectorite gel, provides controlled alignment of special-effect pigment, raises apparent melting point and ensures cost-efficient use of UV filters.
Hectorite gel can be used in cold process systems.
Hectorite gel is used in formulating antiperspirants, lip care, eye make-up, emulsions, facial make-up, creams & lotions, lip products and sun care products.
Hectorite gel is RSPO approved the shelf life of this grade is 2 years.
Hectorite gel is a type of gel that is primarily composed of hectorite, a clay mineral.
Hectorite gel is known for its ability to swell in water and form a stable gel-like consistency when dispersed in a liquid medium.
Hectorite gel is often used as a thickening agent in cosmetic and personal care products such as creams, lotions, and gels.
Hectorite gel helps to improve the viscosity and texture of formulations, giving them a smooth and luxurious feel.
In addition to thickening, Hectorite gel can also act as a stabilizer, helping to prevent the separation of ingredients in emulsions and suspensions.
Hectorite gel enhances the stability of formulations and contributes to their overall quality and performance.
Hectorite gel can suspend solid particles or other ingredients within a liquid matrix, preventing them from settling to the bottom over time.
This property is particularly useful in formulations such as suspensions, paints, and coatings.
Hectorite gel can modify the rheological properties of a formulation, influencing its flow behavior, viscosity, and thixotropy.
Hectorite gel can help control the flow characteristics of products during application and improve their performance under various conditions.
Hectorite gel has absorbent properties that can help absorb excess oil and moisture from the skin, making Hectorite gel suitable for use in skincare products such as masks, cleansers, and mattifying formulations.
Hectorite gels can contain a wide range of minerals, including metals, non-metals, and rare earth elements.
Common metallic ores include iron ore (hematite, magnetite), copper ore (chalcopyrite, bornite), gold ore (native gold, gold-bearing quartz), and aluminum ore (bauxite). Non-metallic ores include limestone, gypsum, phosphate rock, and sulfur.
Hectorite gels are found in nature in various geological formations, including veins, lodes, deposits, and beds.
They may be located near the Earth’s surface (as in the case of placer deposits) or deep underground (as in the case of underground mining).
The extraction of Hectorite gels involves mining, which can be done through surface mining or underground mining methods.
Surface mining methods include open-pit mining, quarrying, and strip mining, while underground mining methods include drift mining, shaft mining, and room and pillar mining.
The choice of mining method depends on factors such as the depth of the ore deposit, Hectorite gel’s size, and the economics of extraction.
Hectorite gels are mined, they undergo processing to extract the valuable minerals.
This may involve crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and smelting processes, depending on the nature of the ore and the desired end products.
Processing plants are often located near the mining sites to minimize transportation costs.
The extracted minerals from Hectorite gel are used in various industries and applications.
Metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, and gold are used in manufacturing, construction, electronics, and other sectors.
Hectorite gels are used in construction materials, fertilizers, chemicals, and other industrial processes.
Ore mining and processing can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution.
Mining operations often require large amounts of water and energy, and the disposal of mining waste (tailings) can pose environmental challenges if not managed properly.
The disposal and management of mining waste, known as tailings, is a significant environmental concern in the mining industry.
Hectorite gels contain residual metals, chemicals, and other contaminants that can pose risks to water quality and ecosystem health if not properly managed.
Hectorite gels storage facilities, engineered containment structures, and innovative tailings management technologies are used to minimize the environmental impact of tailings disposal.
As finite resources, Hectorite gels are subject to depletion over time, leading to concerns about long-term resource sustainability.
Sustainable mining practices aim to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and social responsibility, ensuring that mineral resources are managed responsibly for future generations.
This includes efforts to minimize waste generation, improve resource efficiency, and promote recycling and circular economy principles.
Hectorite gel thickener, rheological agent and a great dispersant of solid particles in the form of a ready-made gel; for cosmetics based on trisiloxane, an alternative to products with cyclopentasiloxane
Detailed explanations on the chemistry and properties of natural Hectorite clay can be found in the leaflet “Chemistry and properties of Hectorite gel clay based rheology modifiers”.
In this second part, the technical benefits are shown based on some typica applications of this unique mineral.
Hectorite gel is a smectite clay mineral (sodium lithium magnesium silicate) that swells after immersion and dispersion in water.
Under the correct conditions Hectorite gel imparts shear-thinning flow and thixotropy, as well as controling sedimentation efficiently.
Hectorite gel is a naturally occuring, lightly-coloured mineral and can be found in very few locations globally, primarily in Hector, near Newberry Springs in California.
Hectorite gel is in a wet process refined to provide an additive of very high purity.
In Hectorite gel’s normal form Hectorite gel is hydrophilic and can either be used pure or combined with polymers or dispersants to give exactly the required flow properties to aqueous formulations.
Reaction with quaternary ammonium compounds converts the clay to a hydrophobic form that is used for solvent-borne systems – an organoclay.
Depending on the type of quaternary ammonium species used, products can be designed for all different polarities and chemistries of solvents.
All these products are commercially available under the registered BENTONE® name and are considered the industry bench-mark.
Hectorite gels are categorized based on their reserves and resources.
“Reserves” refer to known deposits of minerals that can be economically extracted with current technology and market conditions, while “resources” include both reserves and potentially recoverable deposits that may become economically viable with advances in technology or changes in market conditions.
The grade of an Hectorite gel refers to the concentration of the valuable minerals it contains.
Higher-grade Hectorite gels have a higher concentration of valuable minerals and are typically more economically viable to mine and process.
The quality of the Hectorite gel, including its purity and chemical composition, can also influence its suitability for specific applications and processing methods.
Hectorite gels contain valuable minerals as well as by-products or co-products that can be recovered during the extraction and processing process.
For example, copper ores may contain valuable metals such as gold, silver, and molybdenum as by-products.
Hectorite gels are minerals that are extracted alongside the primary metal and have economic value.
Hectorite gels are found in diverse geological formations around the world, and their distribution can vary widely by region.
Certain countries or regions may be rich in specific types of ores, leading to significant mining activities and economic development.
The distribution of Hectorite gels can influence global trade patterns and geopolitical dynamics.
The discovery of new Hectorite gel deposits often involves extensive exploration activities, including geological mapping, geochemical analysis, geophysical surveys, and drilling.
Exploration companies use advanced technologies and scientific methods to identify and evaluate potential ore deposits, which can involve significant investments of time and resources.
As global demand for minerals increases and concerns about resource depletion and environmental sustainability grow, there is growing interest in recycling and reclamation of metals from ores and industrial waste streams.
Hectorite gels from products at the end of their life cycle can reduce the need for primary ore extraction and minimize environmental impacts associated with mining.
The availability and pricing of Hectorite gels are influenced by market dynamics, including supply and demand trends, geopolitical factors, technological advancements, and regulatory policies.
Fluctuations in commodity prices can impact the profitability of mining operations and drive investments in exploration and development.
Various mining Hectorite gels are employed to extract ores from the Earth’s crust, each suited to different geological conditions and deposit types.
These Hectorite gel range from conventional methods such as open-pit mining and underground mining to advanced technologies like in-situ leaching and block caving.
The choice of mining method depends on factors such as ore depth, deposit size, ore grade, and environmental considerations.
Mining operations can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat disruption, soil and water contamination, and landscape alteration.
Environmental remediation measures, such as land reclamation, water treatment, and biodiversity conservation, are often implemented to mitigate these impacts and restore affected ecosystems.
Hectorite gel mining can have both positive and negative social and economic impacts on local communities and regions.
While mining activities can create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to infrastructure development, they can also lead to social conflicts, displacement of communities, and cultural disruption.
Responsible mining practices aim to maximize the benefits of mining while minimizing Hectorite gel’s adverse effects on communities and livelihoods.
Uses of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel is one of the principal constituents of bentonite clay.
Hectorite gel is used as a thickener and suspending agent in water-based systems in oil-in-water emulsions.
Hectorite gel can be used add to oil-phase of formulas; mix into low amounts of oils to overcome large viscosity differences.
Hectorite gel is best to add the gel under agitation to a portion of the fatty components.
Mix until the mixture becomes homogenous before adding any other ingredients.
Hectorite gel is used in the production of steel, which is essential for construction, infrastructure, machinery, transportation, and various industrial applications.
Utilized in electrical wiring, plumbing, electronics, telecommunications, and construction materials.
Hectorite gel is used to produce aluminum metal, which is widely used in transportation (e.g., automobiles, aircraft), construction, packaging, and consumer goods.
Valued for Hectorite gel’s rarity and aesthetic appeal, gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and as a financial reserve.
Hectorite gel is used in jewelry, silverware, electronics, photography, mirrors, and medical instruments.
Hectorite gel is used in batteries, ammunition, radiation shielding, construction materials, and soldering.
Hectorite gel utilized in galvanizing steel, producing brass and bronze alloys, and in various industrial applications (e.g., rubber manufacturing, paints, pharmaceuticals).
Hectorite gel is used as a building material, in cement production, as a soil conditioner, in water treatment, and in various industrial processes.
Hectorite gel utilized in construction materials (e.g., drywall, plaster), agriculture (as a soil amendment), and industrial applications (e.g., cement, fertilizer).
Hectorite gel is used in fertilizer production to supply essential nutrients (phosphorus) for plant growth.
Hectorite gel is used in the production of sulfuric acid, fertilizers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and in various industrial processes.
Mined for Hectorite gel’s potassium content, which is essential for plant growth and used in fertilizers.
Hectorite gel is used in electronics (e.g., magnets, batteries), renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind turbines, electric vehicles), and defense applications.
Hectorite gel is used in drilling muds, foundry sands, cat litter, sealants, and as a binder in iron ore pelletization.
Hectorite gel is used in ceramics, paper production, paint, rubber, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Hectorite gel utilized in plastics, paper, ceramics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a lubricant.
Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, and other precious and semi-precious gemstones: Hectorite gel is Used in jewelry, decorative items, and as investment assets.
Mined for Hectorite gel’s high carbon content, graphite is used in various applications such as lubricants (both solid and powdered), batteries (especially lithium-ion batteries), refractories, foundry facings, and as a component in pencils and other writing instruments.
Hectorite gelis primarily used in the production of stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and widely used in kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware, surgical instruments, and construction materials.
Hectorite gels are also used in chrome plating, pigments (e.g., in paints and inks), and tanning leather.
Hectorite gel is valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
Hectorite gel is used in aerospace components, armor plating, medical implants, sports equipment, chemical processing equipment, and in pigments for paints, plastics, and paper.
Hectorite gelis primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
Hectorite gel is also used in nuclear weapons, medical imaging (as radioactive tracers), and in certain industrial applications (e.g., as a dense metal for counterweights and radiation shielding).
Platinum Group Metals (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Osmium): These metals are used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, in jewelry and decorative items, in electronics (especially in contacts and electrodes), in chemical processing catalysts, and in medical devices (e.g., pacemakers).
Hectorite gel has one of the highest melting points of all metals and is used in the production of high-temperature alloys, cutting tools (e.g., drills, saws, and milling cutters), electrical contacts and filaments, armor-piercing ammunition, and radiation shielding.
Hectorite gel is used in various applications such as electrical switches, fluorescent lamps, dental fillings, thermometers, and in the production of chlorine and caustic soda.
However, Hectorite gel’s use is declining due to environmental and health concerns associated with mercury toxicity.
Hectorite gel is used as an alloying element in steel production to improve strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Hectorite gel is also used in the manufacturing of specialized alloys for aerospace, automotive, and chemical processing applications, as well as in energy storage technologies like vanadium redox batteries.
Benefits of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel can be used hot or cold to thicken oil phase systems.
Hectorite gel provides viscosity control.
Hectorite gel enhances skin feel by masking greasy or tacky components.
Hectorite gel provides softness and silkiness to the skin and color cosmetics.
Hectorite gel possesses shear-thinning viscosity.
Hectorite gel is excellent suspension of pigments, actives and controlled alignment of special-effect pigments.
Composition/Information On Ingredients:
Chemical Name CAS number Weight % Molecular Weight
Caprylic/capric triglyceride 73398-61-5 50 – 100% N/A
Stearalkonium hectorite 12691-60-0 5 – 20% N/A
Propylene carbonate 108-32-7 1 – 10% N/A
Features of Hectorite Gel:
Thickens the formulation
Enables very smooth application on surface
Shear thinning effect on application
Application of lip-sticks is very smooth
Excellent Skin Feel
Gel can be added at any convenient stage in the production cycle.
Key Features:
Hectorite gel provides shear-thinning viscosity and excellent suspension of pigments, actives, and controlled alignment of special-effect pigments
Best to add the gel under agitation to a portion of the fatty components
Properties of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel can be used hot or cold to thicken oil phase systems.
Hectorite gel provides viscosity control, enhances skin feel by masking greasy or tacky components, and provides softness and silkiness to the skin and color cosmetics.
Hectorite gel possesses shear-thinning viscosity, excellent suspension of pigments, actives and controlled alignment of special-effect pigments.
Hectorite gel is best to add the gel under agitation to a portion of the fatty components.
Mix Hectorite gel until the mixture becomes homogenous before adding any other ingredients.
Typical use level of Hectorite gel is 2.5-10%.
Hectorite gel can be used in cold processes, Hectorite gel is added to the fatty/oily phase, making sure it mixes perfectly with the less viscous lipids, Hectorite gel can be added at any stage of the production process.
Hectorite gel gives a creamy and velvety sensation to the product and a slightly glossy and luminous finish.
Hectorite gel improves the spreadability and silkiness of the final product on the skin as well as increasing its viscosity, suspending capacity and stability over time.
Key Properties:
Non-animal origin
Rheological control:
Predictable, reproducible and stable viscosity control
Shear-thinning viscosity
Excellent suspension of pigments and actives
Controlled alignment of special-effect pigments
Thermostable viscosity raises apparent melting point and ensures cost-efficient use of
UV filters:
Emulsion stabilization [w/o and o/w ]
Convenience:
Optimally pre-activated and dispersed organoclay
Incorporates with medium-shear mixing
Can be added at any convenient stage of manufacture
Gives a high degree of formulating flexibility
Provides highly reproducible results for multi-site production requirements
Acceptability:
Non-abrasive
Provides smooth feel to skin
Toxicologically safe ingredients
Incorporation of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel can be added at any convenient suitable stage during the manufacturing cycle.
Hectorite gel additive is a very high viscosity, shear-thinning product.
To ensure good homogeneous mixing is achieved, care must be taken to overcome the large viscosity differential existing between the Hectorite gel and the other lower
viscosity components.
Choice of mixing equipment and the configuration within the mixing vessels are critical factors in developing the optimum performance of the Hectorite gel additives.
The use of medium- to high-shear mixing equipment is recommended.
Batch Processing:
Single Phase Systems:
Always add the Hectorite gel, under shear, to a portion of the organic component or solvent with which it is most compatible.
Mix until homogeneous before adding the other ingredients.
Multi-Phase Systems e.g. emulsions:
Treat as the single phase but always ensure the Hectorite gel additive is thoroughly mixed in before the emulsification stage.
Continuous Processing:
The Hectorite gel should be added to the oil phase at any convenient point that meets the above guidelines for batch processing.
In multi-manifold systems, a flowable pre-mix of the Hectorite gel with a compatible oil or solvent should be made in a side pot.
Where only lower-shear mixing equipment is available, stir the Hectorite gel alone and then slowly add the most compatible component by portions, always ensuring the mixture remains homogeneous at each stage.
Compatibility of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel additives can contribute greatly to a formulation’s stability by improving the compatibility of other ingredients.
Care should be taken to determine the compatibility of the Hectorite gel additive with the oils, actives or surfactant ingredients within a formulation.
The wide range of grades available allows selection of the optimal carrier and organoclay for each system.
Handling And Storage of Hectorite Gel:
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Storage conditions:
Store in cool place.
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Stability And Reactivity of Hectorite Gel:
Reactivity:
No data available
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
Conditions to avoid:
No data available
Safety Profile of Hectorite Gel:
Hectorite gel is a natural clay mineral that is not considered acutely toxic; therefore no toxicity values have been established.
However, hectorite may contain small amounts of crystalline silica in the form of quartz.
Dust can be irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes, and contact with this material may cause drying of the skin.
Chronic exposure to crystalline silica may have adverse effects on the respiratory system.
EU labeling states that the material is not classified as dangerous.
First Aid Measures of Hectorite Gel:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
In case of skin contact:
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
In case of eye contact:
Flush eyes with water as a precaution.
If swallowed:
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
No data available
Fire Fighting Measures of Hectorite Gel:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Further information:
No data available
Accidental Release Measures of Hectorite Gel:
Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection of Hectorite Gel:
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Wash and dry hands.
Body Protection:
Impervious clothing
Respiratory protection:
Respiratory protection not required.
Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
Identifiers of Hectorite Gel:
CAS Number: 12173-47-6 (for the mineral hectorite)
Chemical Formula: Na0.3(Mg,Li)3Si4O10(OH)2
EC Number: 235-760-8
Properties of Hectorite Gel:
Color/Form: Tan paste
Viscosity: 1500 – 3200 (units, e.g., cP)
Ash Content: 7.6 – 8.2%
Infrared: To Match Standard
Microbial Content: Less than 100 cfu/g
Appearance: Fine white to off-white powder or gel
pH (of gel): Typically around 9-11
Density: ~2.3 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, but swells and forms gels when dispersed in water or other polar solvents
Specifications of Hectorite Gel:
Appearance: Off-white to light cream-colored, smooth gel
Odor: Odorless or slight earthy odor
pH (5% dispersion): 9.0 – 11.0
Viscosity (Brookfield, 2% in water): 500 – 1500 mPa.s
Dry Matter Content: 10 – 12%
Density: ~1.0 – 1.1 g/cm³
Chemical Composition:
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide): 55 – 65%
MgO (Magnesium Oxide): 20 – 25%
Li2O (Lithium Oxide): 0.5 – 1.0%
Na2O (Sodium Oxide): 1.0 – 3.0%
Loss on Ignition (at 1000°C): 10 – 15%