Grades by end use
Separate solvent-borne, grease and drilling fluid grades, each matched to the liquids and test methods used in that industry rather than one general-purpose powder.
Industrial Mineral
Organoclay — Organophilic Bentonite Manufacturer & Exporter
Quaternary ammonium treated bentonite that gels organic solvents and oils, for coatings, inks, lubricating greases and oil-based drilling fluids.
PowderSelf-activating Powder
ISO 9001 certified processes
NABL-accredited lab testing
CoA, TDS & MSDS with every shipment
Export packaging worldwide
Overview
What is Organoclay?
Organoclay is an organically modified bentonite produced by treating sodium bentonite with quaternary ammonium salts. The treatment converts the naturally hydrophilic clay into an organophilic, oleophilic material that disperses in organic solvents, mineral oils and many synthetic fluids. Once activated, it builds a thixotropic gel that thickens the liquid at rest and thins under shear.
The chemistry is a cation exchange. Montmorillonite platelets in bentonite carry exchangeable sodium ions on their surfaces. In a controlled reaction, these are replaced by long-chain quaternary ammonium ions, which coat the platelets with an organic layer. The treated clay no longer swells in water but swells and separates in organic liquids. With shear and, for most grades, a small amount of polar activator, the platelets form an edge-to-face network held together by hydrogen bonding, which gives the gel its structure and recovery.
That network is what formulators rely on. In paints and inks it prevents pigment settling and controls sag. In lubricating greases it acts as a non-soap thickener that does not melt like conventional soap systems, supporting high-temperature service. In oil-based and synthetic-based drilling fluids it provides viscosity and gel strength to suspend cuttings and weighting material. Typical loadings are low, often in the range of 0.5 to 3 % for coatings and higher for greases.
Obsidian Minerals manufactures organoclay in Gujarat under ISO 9001 certified processes. We supply three standard grades for solvent-borne coatings, greases and drilling fluids, including self-activating powder options, and develop custom grades with customers for specific solvents and base oils. Each batch is tested in our NABL-accredited laboratory and shipped with a Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS.
Organoclay grades
Select a grade for its typical properties, applications, usage guidance and FAQs.
Organoclay
Solvent-borne Organoclay
Organophilic bentonite that gels aliphatic and aromatic solvents, giving coatings and inks anti-settling, sag resistance and stable viscosity.
Paints & Coatings OrganoclayGrease Grade Organoclay
Organophilic bentonite thickener for clay-based greases that keep their structure at temperatures where many soap-thickened greases soften.
Lubricants OrganoclayDrilling Fluid Organoclay
Organophilic clay viscosifier that builds yield point and gel strength in diesel, mineral oil and synthetic-based drilling fluids.
Oil & Gas| Grade | Specification | Primary use | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solvent-borne Organoclay | On TDS | Paints & Coatings | Specs |
| Organoclay Grease Thickener | On TDS | Lubricants | Specs |
| Organophilic Clay for Oil-Based Drilling Fluids | On TDS | Oil & Gas | Specs |
From deposit to dispatch
- 01
Selection and beneficiation of sodium bentonite
- 02
Purification of the clay slurry
- 03
Cation exchange with quaternary ammonium salt
- 04
Filtration, drying and fine milling
- 05
Gel performance testing, QC and packing
Why source Organoclay from Obsidian Minerals
Laboratory-backed batches
Each organoclay batch is tested in our NABL-accredited laboratory, and the agreed parameters are reported on the Certificate of Analysis supplied with the shipment.
Custom development
We develop custom organoclay grades with customers for particular solvents, base oils and activation methods, with samples available on request for qualification.
Where Organoclay is used
Organoclay — frequently asked questions
What is organoclay?
Organoclay is bentonite clay whose surface has been modified with quaternary ammonium compounds. The modification makes the clay compatible with organic liquids instead of water. When dispersed and activated in solvents or oils, organoclay forms a thixotropic gel, so it is used as a rheological additive in paints, inks, greases, sealants and oil-based drilling fluids.
Does organoclay need a polar activator?
Most conventional organoclays need a polar activator, such as propylene carbonate or a methanol or ethanol and water blend, to separate the platelets fully and develop maximum gel strength. A common starting level is about 30 to 50 % of the organoclay weight. Self-activating grades are designed to disperse with shear alone in suitable systems, simplifying production.
What is the difference between organoclay and bentonite?
Untreated bentonite is hydrophilic: it swells and gels in water but not in oils or solvents. Organoclay is bentonite that has undergone cation exchange with quaternary ammonium ions, giving the platelets an organic coating. This reverses its behaviour, so organoclay disperses and gels in organic liquids while having little affinity for water.
Which organoclay grade suits my application?
Choose the solvent-borne grade for paints, coatings and inks based on aliphatic or aromatic solvents, the grease grade for non-soap lubricating greases, and the drilling fluid grade for oil-based and synthetic-based muds. Send us your solvent or base oil, operating temperature and target rheology, and we will recommend a grade and arrange samples.
What loading of organoclay is typical?
Paints and coatings commonly use about 0.5 to 1.5 % by weight, with some systems up to around 3 %. Lubricating greases need considerably more, often in the range of 5 to 10 % of the finished grease. Oil-based drilling fluids are usually dosed in pounds per barrel to meet a rheology programme. Always confirm the level in your own formulation.
How is organoclay packed and shipped?
Organoclay is supplied in 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags and in 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo bags, with custom and private-label packaging available on request. Each shipment carries the batch Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS. Store bags dry and sealed, as organoclay should be protected from moisture and contamination.
What packaging options are available for Organoclay?
Standard export packing is 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE / paper bags and 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo (FIBC) bags, palletised and shrink-wrapped on request. Custom and private-label packaging can be arranged for volume orders.
Do you provide MSDS and technical datasheets?
Yes. A Technical Data Sheet and MSDS are available for every grade, and each shipment is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Request a quote
Interested in Organoclay?
Tell us your application, preferred grade and volume. Our engineering team will recommend the right grade and send a datasheet, sample and quotation.
- Technical Data Sheet & MSDS
- Samples for qualification trials
- Bulk and recurring supply pricing