Investigation of the U.B.I.(Kashmir) Bentonite received from Directorate of Mining and Geology ,Jammu and Kashmir Government

The bentonite sample under the name U.B.I. was received from Directorate of Mining and Geology, Jammu and Kashmir Government, Srinagar. The sample as received was in the form of lumps having a pinkish colour with a dull waxy luster and a soapy touch. It was crushed and passed through 100 mesh sieve of the U.S sieve series which was then used in the investigation. Following tests were conducted on this bentonites such as moisture content, chemical analysis, pH- value, gel strength index, swelling index, dry fineness, wet fineness, petrological examination , total base exchange capacity, Na/Ca ratio using flame photometer and bonding characteristics.