STUDY OF ACID ACTIVATION ON BENTONITE OF

MATHANIA , DISTRICT JHALAWAR (RAJASTHAN)

-B.C. Bhattacharya

Bentonite is Chiefly composed of clay mineral montomorillonite 75-80% as a structure of

(Ca, Mg) O, Al2O3, n1, Sio2, n2, H2O, where n1, n2 are constants. 3 layer clay minerals
have a characteristics property of expanding along C axis on wetting with certain liquid
and has also the ability to exchange cations . 15 pit samples of bentonite from village
Mathania were taken up to acid activation studies. It was observed that most of activated
samples showed remarkable performance in bleaching crude ground nut oil.
Introduction:
Acid activation characteristics have been studied on the pit samples of bentonite with the
idea whether the samples response for acid activation or not. As the bentonite has got
typical characteristics of exchanging cations, acid activation was carried out by
exchanging H+ with the montmorillonite mineral.
Experimental:
15 pit samples were crushed and ground to pass -200 mesh i .e . 75 microns size and
dried thoroughly. While studying the activation characteristics each sample weighing
100gms. Was treated with 25 % sulphuric acid and boiled for 3 hours over constant
stirring. Each slurry was filtered and washed with distilled water until it was free from
So4 .After drying the cake at 105°c the activated sample was prepared. To study
bleaching characteristics of the activated bentonite unrefined ground nut oil was treated
with each activated bentonite sample separately. the results of bleaching characteristics
of acid activated bentonite are given below :

No. OD %Transmission
Crude 0.35 45
1. 0.085 82
2. 0.85 82
3. 0.125 75
4. 0.13 74
5. 0.08 83
6. 0.105 79
7. 0.065 82
8. 0.115 77
9. 0.07 86
10. 0.14 73
11. 0.05 89
12. 0.045 90
13. 1.10 78
14. 0.13 74
15. 0.115 77

• Measured at 450 mu wave length .

Per cent transmission and optical density of the oil treated with activated bentonite
showed quite encouraging results. As compared with the crude sample which was of
potical density 0.35 per cent and transmission 45% , the sample No. from 3-14 showed
quite high per cent transmission among them them the significant results were obtained
while testing the sampler 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12 .
Conclusion :
The acid activated bentonite showed an encouraging results in bleaching the crude
ground nut oil . hence the sanples of Mathania bentonite respondeb acid activation .

Acknowledgment :
Author is thankful to Shri S.B. L. Srivastava , Director of Mines & Geology for
permitting to undertake this work and author is also thankful to Shri K.D.Bhargava
Supdtg Geologist (Hps) for hir keen interest in the work . Authur is also thankful to the
staff of Ceramic Laboratory for assistance in Complet ing this work.
Reference:
1. Revised Rajasthan Mineral bulletin Vol . 6 jun- Decemder 80 No . 3-4 , A note on
various tests of bentonite by – B.C. Bhattacharya .
2. Unpublished investigation report on pit samples of benttonite from Mathania
village District Jhalawar , Sept ., 1981 By B. C. Bhattacharya.
3. ISI Specification 6186-1971.
4. GSI Booklet Page Vol. 96.