Low density compositions with synergistic absorbance properties
A composition comprising a physical blend of discrete particulates such that the liquid absorbency is greater than the individual components and is greater than the expected absorbency based on the rule of mixtures. A composition comprising diatomaceous earth which may have a clump strength greater than 75% and in which the dry density may be less than 880 kg/m 3 (55 lb/ft 3 ). The compositions exhibit synergistic absorbance, light density, high clump strength, low dustiness, and are suitable for industrial and household absorption and solidification, animal litter, and soil amendment.
1. A composition comprising:
discrete particles of diatomaceous earth; and
discrete particles of sodium bentonite,
wherein the composition has:
a clump strength greater than about 75%,
a dry density less than about 880 kg/m 3 , and
an absorbency per unit weight that exceeds a weighted average absorbency of the discrete particles of diatomaceous earth and the discrete particles of sodium bentonite by more than about 50%.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the quartz content is less than about 20%.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the discrete particles of diatomaceous earth contain a moisture content between about 5% to about 50%.
4. The composition of claim 1 , further comprising one or more of hectorite, attapulgite, sodium-beneficiated calcium bentonite, zeolite or combinations thereof.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has an arsenic concentration less than about 17 ppm.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the absorbency per unit weight of the composition exceeds the weighted average absorbency by more than 100%.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is self-clumping, and has an absorbency in the range of about 170% to about 500%.
8. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the composition has a quartz content less than about 15%.
9. The composition of claim 7 further comprising zeolite.
10. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the composition has a moisture content greater than about 2.5% and less than about 50%.