SEPIOLITE FG / SEPIONATE F5
SEPIOLITE FG / SEPIONATE F5
Sepiolite is a fibrous hydrous magnesium silicate clay mineral with a chemical formula, H6Mg8Si12O30H106H2O. It is a soft, porous, lightweight clay with non-swelling properties bearing a very high surface area which explains its significant hydrophilicity. The structure of Sepiolite FG contains extended silicon-oxygen sheets made up of tetrahedral SiO4 groups that are positioned to develop extended lathlike features which in turn, lead to its fibrous character. This enables the structure to form a gel when it is agitated and mixed in aqueous systems. The structure produces needle-like particles and not plate-like particles which allow it to be easy to mix when disturbed yet so gel like when it is at rest in aqueous systems. Due to very low cation exchange capacity (no significant negative ions in the silicate lattice), Sepiolite FG does not swell, and its lathlike, random network of particles allow it to act as a very effective suspending agent by holding coarser particles in liquids by preventing them from settling by gravity. It will maintain viscous properties in a brine solution and provide pseudoplastic and thixotropic characteristics to its suspensions
Sepionate F5 is a proprietary blend that has the same thixotropic and anti-sag characteristics as Sepiolite FG except that it has been upgraded to add polymeric and pozzolonic properties to enhance binder strength, durability, bond strength, shrinkage protection, efflorescence resistance, high oil absortion and impermeability.
Applications
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In construction mortars – Anti-sliding, anti-slipping, anti-sagging and workability additive. Thickening agent with sliding control.
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Can partially replace cellulose derivatives (like cellulose ethers) in mortars. Exhibits very synergistic effects with Cellulose derivatives helping to reduce gelling time and increase thickening capacity
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Water retention additive for cement based mortars
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Freeze-thaw improvement for cement based mortars
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Stabilization of suspensions in systems with high electrolyte content such as cement and gypsum systems
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Increases bacterial safety by its synergistic effect with most typical bactericides
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Improvement of sedimentation in tanks, containers and pipes
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Thixotropic control and regulation of consistency and rebound with minimum impact on mechanical properties
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In Polyurethane systems – improves the shape fixity ratio of polyurethane; helps controllability of shape memory properties
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Improved thermal insulation effect and reinforced mechanical properties for polyurethane foams
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Associative thickener for water-based paints
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Thickener in latex paints providing the necessary low shear viscosity assisting brush pick-up as well as in-package stability, flow and optimum workability.
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Thickener for sealants, caulks, mastics, roof coatings with the help of a surfactant and provides them with optimum workability
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Filter aid
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Absorbent
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Asphalt emulsions – improves flow control and optimizes workability. Sepiolite needles provide superior wear resistance characteristics, film strength and water resistance.
Typical Chemical Properties %
Silicon (SiO2) 56.0
Aluminum (Al2O3). 4.0
Iron (Fe2O3). 1.0
Magnesium (MgO). 20.0
Calcium (CaO). 0.5
Sodium (Na2O) 1.4
Potassium (K2O) 1.4
L.O.I. (1000oC) 15.7
Notes for Mixing
Typical Physical Properties
Appearance. Off-White Powder
Moisture. 14%
Loss on Ignition 12.5%
Bulking Value. 0.0518 U.S. Gal/lb
Weight/Gallon 19.3 lbs
Apparent Density 19.665 lbs/ft3
Bulk Density 30 lbs/ft3
Particle Size (Dry Sieve) 90% min -325 Mesh
Particle Size (Wet Sieve) 0.5% max +325 Mesh
- Latex systems - it is important to understand how to add Sepiolite FG into your mixing system. It should be added to the grind for latex systems. This will facilitate the desired shear for the system. Sepiolite FG tends to develop its viscosity more completely as more and more shear is applied
- Organic systems – Sepiolite FG needs to be mixed high shear and with the help of a surfactant in organic systems. Cationic substances like fatty amines are often used. These amines are typical used in ratios from 1:4 up to 1:8 (Amine to Sepiolite FG). It is noteworthy, that aluminum pigmented systems require nonionic surfactants vs the cationics. So amines are not to be used in these systems
Storage and Packaging
Packaged in 50 lb (3-ply natural bags) and shipped on 42x48 non-returnable pallets. Store in a dry place protected from moisture. Recommended shelf life is 1 year from date of manufacturing in its original containers well sealed and not deteriorated.