Chemical Properties

Hectorite is a naturally occurring 2 : 1 phyllosilicate clay of the smectite (montmorillonite) group and is a principal component of bentonite clay. Hectorite occurs as an odorless, white to creamcolored, waxy, dull powder composed of aggregates of colloidalsized lath-shaped crystals.

Uses

hectorite is one of the principal constituents of bentonite clay. used as a thickener and suspending agent in water-based systems in oil-in-water emulsions.

Uses

In the chill-proofing of beer: Shaler et al., US 3100707 (1963 to American Tansul).

Production Methods

Naturally occurring hectorite is mined from weathered bentonite deposits. It is further processed to remove grit and impurities so that it is suitable for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Hectorite is used widely in pharmaceutical preparations as an absorbent, emulsifier, stabilizer, suspending agent, thickener, and viscosity-controlling agent.
Hectorite 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. It 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.

Safety

Hectorite 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.

storage

Hectorite is a stable material and should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Incompatibilities

Contact between hectorite and hydrofluoric acid may generate heat.

Regulatory Status

Reported in the EPA TSCA Inventory.

Raw materials

Preparation Products