Bentonite Clay

Studies the Environmental, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Applications of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay, of which members of the smectite family of clay minerals are particularly important, has proven to be effective in sealing off wastes from groundwater. Bentonite Clay: Environmental Properties and Applications explores the mineralogy of clays in general and of smectites in particular that represent challenging conditions for geotechnical professionals responsible for earth dam construction, the foundations of roads and buildings, and the long-term isolation of chemical and radioactive wastes. The author, a world-renowned expert on the subject, places special emphasis on the environmental behavior of bentonite clay when focused on the isolation of hazardous wastes and also considers its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Based on classical literature and current research and development, this text provides an in-depth introduction to bentonite soil, explains the origin of smectite-rich clays, and pinpoints where they can be found. The book describes the interaction of expandable clay minerals, gas, and fluids, followed by a description of the physical and chemical properties of smectite clay saturated with water or chemical solutions. It also provides relevant findings and conclusions concerning the function of bentonite-based sealing repositories for dangerous waste.

This text:

• Describes the constitution of smectite minerals as a basis for understanding the behavior of smectite clays and their performance in the isolation of hazardous waste
• Factors in the longevity of smectite clays in bentonite beds and in the form of canister-embedding buffers in repositories for deep geological disposal of highly radioactive waste (HLW)
• Covers the design principles for clay seals and considers their function in the isolation of waste and redirecting groundwater flow

Bentonite Clay: Environmental Properties and Applications documents the origin, properties, and characteristics of bentonite and its uses. A resource for researchers, practitioners, regulators, and policy makers, the text examines the use of clay in hazardous waste and nuclear waste management and provides readers with detailed descriptions of related technical solutions.

Roland Pusch received a PhD in soil mechanics in 1962 from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, and a PhD in geology in 1970 from Stockholm University, Sweden. He was an associate professor in soil mechanics and foundation engineering at Chalmers University of Technology (1967–1974), Sweden, and a professor at the Technical University at Luleå (1974–1982), Sweden. Dr. Pusch’s academic career was paralleled by work in major consulting companies. The author of five books, including Microstructure of Smectite Clays and Engineering Performance (together with R. N. Yong) for Taylor & Francis, he has also published numerous papers.