Investigation on BS-Bentonite received from M/S Hargovindas Shivlal & Company, Bombay

The bentonite clay sample designated as B-bentonite was received from Messrs Hargovindas Shivlal & Company, Bombay. to assess its suitability as a foundry bonding clay. The sample, as–received was in the form of powder and light yellowish colour. The deposit of the sample is located around Lakhanke in Gohilwad district of Gujarat State. The extent of its availability has not been surveyed but a rough estimate showed it to be around a million tons. The cost per ton of the bentonite is Rs.60/-. The tests conducted on this bentonite comprised the following: moisture content, chemical analysis, pH-vale, gel test, swelling index, dry fineness, dry fineness, petrological examination, total base exchange capacity, differential thermal analysis and bonding characteristics.