David Giner, Luciano Cuesta – SEPIOLSA
Sepiolite and attapulgite clays are natural, fibrous clay minerals known for their great absorption and rheological properties. When incorporated into materials such as renders, plasters, skim coats, and wall putty, these clays go beyond mere rheology and thickening effects – they significantly enhance the overall quality of the products they are added to. Sepiolite and Attapulgite clays have a unique structure with tiny needle-like particles that hydrate but don’t swell. They also have chemical properties that let them form hydrogen bonds on their surface, which is covered with OH groups. These clays work well with traditional thickeners, especially modified or unmodified cellulose derivatives. They are cost-effective compared to other materials and can even help to reduce the amount of more expensive thickeners used. The benefits they bring, like pseudoplasticity and thixotropy, significantly improve workability, the final appearance, sag control, stability, and ultimately, the quality of the end product. We believe these advantages are so impressive that these additives should be a MUST in any formulation, especially for construction materials like renders, plasters, skim coats, and wall putty, where good workability and an excellent final surface appearance are crucial.
