1302-87-0

Basic information

• Product Name: Clays
• Synonyms: Clays;HYDROUS ALUMINA SILICATE;A 300;A 4 (Clay);A 4M;Absorbents, clays;Al-sil-ate;Argillology
• CAS NO: 1302-87-0
• Molecular Weight: 0
• Mol File: 1302-87-0.mol
• Article Data: 0

Chemical Properties

• Appearance: /
• CAS DataBase Reference: Clays(CAS DataBase Reference)
• NIST Chemistry Reference: Clays(1302-87-0)
• EPA Substance Registry System: Clays(1302-87-0)

Safety Data

• Hazardous Substances Data: 1302-87-0(Hazardous Substances Data)

Usage

Description

Clays are naturally occurring aluminosilicates that form pastes and gels when mixed with water. They are active mineral portions of soils, predominantly colloidal and crystalline in structure, and are characterized by their plasticity and impermeability when wet. Clay particles, known as micelles, have a net negative charge that attracts and holds charged cations, making them essential for nutrient absorption by plant roots. Clays can be classified into two main groups: silicate clays and sesquioxide clays, with montmorillonite, mica (illite), vermiculite, chlorite, and kaolinite being examples of silicate clays, while iron oxides, aluminum oxides, manganese oxides, and titanium oxides belong to the sesquioxide clays.

Uses

Used in Agricultural Applications:
Clays play a crucial role in agriculture as they are an integral part of the soil structure. They are used as:
1. Nutrient Retention: Clays have a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which allows them to hold and exchange essential nutrients like K+, Na+, Ca++, Mg++, and H+ for plant growth.
2. Soil Structure: Clays contribute to the soil's structure by providing plasticity and helping to maintain its shape when wet or dry.
3. Water Retention: Due to their high water retention capacity, clays help in retaining moisture in the soil, which is essential for plant growth, especially in arid regions.
Used in Pottery and Ceramics Industry:
Clays are used as a primary raw material in the pottery and ceramics industry for:
1. Pottery Production: The plastic properties of clay, when mixed with water, make it an ideal material for shaping and molding various pottery items.
2. Ceramic Manufacturing: Clays are used in the production of ceramic tiles, dinnerware, and other ceramic products due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain their shape.
Used in Insulation Industry:
Clays are utilized in the insulation industry for:
1. Thermal Insulation: Due to their ability to retain heat, clays are used in the production of thermal insulation materials, such as bricks and blocks, which help in maintaining the temperature of buildings.
2. Acoustic Insulation: Clays are also used in the creation of acoustic insulation materials, which help in reducing noise transmission in buildings.