Bentonite classification**
#### 1. **According to the charge properties of montmorillonite (type of interlayer cations)**
- **Sodium-based bentonite**
- The interlayer cations are mainly Na⁺, with high expansion (volume expansion can reach 15-30 times after absorbing water) and good thermal stability.
- **Application**: foundry sand binder, drilling mud, high-demand sealing materials (such as nuclear waste isolation).
- **Calcium-based bentonite**
- The interlayer cations are mainly Ca²⁺, with low expansion (about 3 times of water absorption), but good adsorption and dispersibility.
- **Application**: animal feed additives, sewage treatment adsorbents, low-grade casting.
- **Hydrogen-based/aluminum-based bentonite**
- Formed under acidic conditions (H⁺ or Al³⁺ dominates), often used for activation modification