Attapulgite Clay Desiccant

Attapulgite clay desiccant is a natural mineral-based moisture absorber obtained from palygorskite deposits. Its crystalline structure is lengthier than it is wide, giving attapulgite its different needle-like structure, making it a moderate moisture adsorber (typical moisture absorption can be 15-20% of its weight). It is a naturally occurring clay and will work well at high temperatures (>100°C), where other desiccants will fail, and once it reaches full saturation it maintains its structure. Delivered in paper sachets, it provides a economical way to humidity control, as it is dust-free, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly for safe operation in sensitive applications.

It is commercially used for industrial applications requiring thermal protection. It is a desirable desiccant for automotive applications during heat treatment, preservation of materials while in storage, and protection of products in a high-level thermal shipping environment. Attapulgite clay is chemically inert against metal parts, making it suitable for protecting pharmaceuticals in secondary packaging, as well as use in food-type applications that require FDA standards. Unlike synthetic desiccant solutions, attapulgite clay is sustainably mined and will be reusable after low-energy reactivation. Attapulgite clay offers value in controlling corrosion, clumping, and degradation in the thermal environment and is cost-effective.

Applications of Attapulgite Clay Desiccant

Packaging & Transportation

Attapulgite clay desiccant is unparalleled for protecting cargo when shipping in high transit temperatures. attapulgite clay desiccant maintains structural integrity above 100°C due to its needle like crystalline shape where it will not degrade melting or flaming in a hot container environment. attapulgite desiccant absorbs 15-20% moisture without succumbing to physical degrading when shipping via multiple modalities. attapulgite desiccant is well suited for protection in transit for metal parts, machinery, or industrial grade goods that may be shipped in tropic routes or experience temperature fluctuations. As well, attapulgite is inorganic and will not react to sensitive products. Attapulgite clay desiccant protection is dust-free for protection to goods corrosively without synthetic additives and retains its efficacy with moisture absorbing with natural additives. attapulgite clay desiccant can retain efficacy and be reusable once dried in low temperature oven. attapulgite clay desiccant is a sustainable solution to moisture absorption in logistics networks.

Food Industry

This natural desiccant protects dry foods with the processing and storage of dry products. The bulk product is a FDA compliant indirect food contact product for use in the packaging of grains, spices, and dehydrated products, formulated from attapulgite clay. It has thermal stability (>100°C) to maintain effectiveness for dry food products in pasteurization and sterilization cycles to prevent clumping and microbial growth from moisture absorption. Because this is a mineral-based product, it is guaranteed not to migrate chemicals or additives into the dry food products and preserve aroma and flavor. This product is significantly effective for bulk commodities stored in humid environments and is a sustainable way to extend product life without consuming raw materials while upholding the clean label value. This product is toxin-free, eco-friendly, and sustainable for food production.

Automotive Industry

Attapulgite clay protects components in high-heat manufacturing steps. Typically applied to brake systems, engine parts, and exhaust components to avoid moisture-related problems while under thermal processing (up to 200 °C), the desiccant prevents moisture-related defects. The needle-like crystals that form attapulgite clay do not quit in ovens of coating processes when subjected to residual humidity, nor do they offer a place for collapse. The non-abrasive properties of attapulgite clay help prevent damage to machined surfaces, while its inertness keeps it from reacting with lubricants or alloys. Packed into finished packaging specific to the part, or into bulk containers, attapulgite clay delivers corrosion-free components throughout the supply chain process, whether there are quality tests that exceed heat requirements or transit to tropical areas.

Construction Industry

This type of desiccant protects hygroscopic building products while stored in storage yards. For example, attapulgite clay will still absorb moisture in poorly ventilated warehouses in hot conditions (> 50°C). It mitigates pre-cure in liquid adhesives, hydration anticipation in cement bags, and warping of wood composites by monitoring ambient humidity. Bulk mineral packs are placed between the layers of materials and are cost-effective solutions for managing moisture transmission from the ground dampness and changes in humidity throughout each season. It is a natural clay product and will not have a concern about chemical contamination with sensitive materials like insulation foams or fireproofing products before being installed.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Attapulgite clay provides secondary moisture protection for thermally processed medical products. It is normally used for outer packaging for blister packs, diagnostic kits, and other medical devices that undergo either autoclaving or irradiation. The inertness of this clay minerality prevents chemical interactions while maintaining absorbed water where it is during the sterilization cycle (up to 130 °C). It is a pharmacopeial-compliant non-pyrogenic material that will help keep a product stable without particulate contamination from the desiccant. The ability to dry the material for reuse will minimize waste and support greener manufacturing practices in regulated environments where the chain of custody for materials is paramount.