Microsorb™
Microsorb™ is an attapulgite-based mineral solution that addresses key challenges in granular and powder formulations, such as poor active ingredient absorption, dust formation, particle degradation, and inconsistent flow behavior.
Its high absorptive capacity and strong particle integrity enable efficient loading and stabilization of active ingredients, while improving handling, reducing fines, and ensuring uniform distribution in agricultural and industrial applications.
Available in granular and powdered forms, including Low Volatile Matter (LVM) and Regular Volatile Matter (RVM) grades, Microsorb™ provides the flexibility to tailor adsorption performance, release profile, and mechanical strength to specific formulation requirements.
Product Information
High adsorption and contaminant removal
- Strong sorptive capacity for liquids, oils, and active ingredients
- Efficient removal of impurities and unwanted compounds
- High decolorization performance
Versatile functionality in formulations
- Functions as carrier, diluent, sorbent, and filtration aid
- Reduces formulation complexity by combining multiple roles
Excellent particle strength and handling
- High particle hardness with reduced attrition and fines
- Low dust formation for improved safety and handling
Thermal and chemical resistance
- Stable under high-temperature conditions
- Resistant to salts and alkaline environments
Improved process efficiency
- Enhances flow properties and prevents caking
- Supports consistent production and application performance
(Mg,Al)5Si8O20.4H2O
Microsorb™ is designed for a wide range of granular and powder applications, with strong relevance in agriculture:
- Granular herbicides
- Granular pesticides
- Granular fertilizers
- Seed coatings
- Industrial absorbents
- Oil and general fluid filtration
- Sports fields
- Personal Care
- Cosmetic
Microsorb products come in the form of coarse gel, fine gel, and granular materials that meet the increasing demand for attapulgite. Attapulgite is a naturally mined needle-like clay mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate. Microsorb offers very good colloidal properties, such as rheology modification and particle suspension. Granular products offer high-temperature endurance, salt and alkali resistance, and high adsorbing and de-coloring capabilities.
LVM
Microsorb LVM (Low Volatile Matter) product is a thermally activated, granular
Attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
The LVM product has good sorptivity and a high level of particle strength, resulting in
lower attrition and fines.
RVM
Microsorb RVM (Regular Volatile Matter) products are thermally activated
granular Attapulgite minerals that are suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration
applications. The RVM products have a high level of sorptivity and an intermediate level
of particle strength.
Microsorb LVM and RVM granular Attapulgite is available in a wide range of sizes and packaging to maximize end-use flexibility
Technical Data Sheets (TDS) available for download above under Documents
- Microsorb 8/16 LVM - Thermally activated, granular attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 16/30 LVM - Thermally activated, granular attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 16/30 RVM - Granular attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications
- Microsorb 30/60 LVM - Thermally activated, granular attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 30/60 RVM - Granular attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications
- Microsorb 60/90 RVM - Thermally activated, powdered attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 100 RVM - Thermally activated, powdered attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 200 RVM - Thermally activated, powdered attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 300 LVM - Thermally activated, powdered attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
- Microsorb 300 RVM - Thermally activated, powdered attapulgite mineral that is suitable for a wide range of sorbent and filtration applications.
Q: What is the difference between Microsorb™ LVM and RVM grades?
A: LVM (Low Volatile Matter) grades are thermally processed to reduce residual moisture content, resulting in higher adsorptive capacity. They are the preferred choice when maximum active ingredient loading is needed or when residual moisture could compromise formulation stability. RVM (Regular Volatile Matter) grades retain more natural mineral moisture, offering different adsorption kinetics and a softer texture suited to applications where the mineral’s natural hydration is beneficial.
Q: Why use attapulgite as a granular carrier instead of other minerals?
A: Attapulgite (palygorskite) has a unique needle-like crystalline structure that provides an exceptionally high surface area and strong sorptive capacity compared to layered clay minerals like bentonite or kaolin. This structure also confers high particle hardness and resistance to attrition, resulting in low dust formation — a critical safety and performance advantage in granular formulations.
Q: Can Microsorb™ be used as both a carrier and a filtration aid in the same process?
A: Yes. One of the key advantages of Microsorb™ is its multifunctional nature. In some manufacturing processes, attapulgite-based minerals are used first as a filtration aid during active ingredient purification and then incorporated as a carrier in the final granular formulation. Clariant’s technical team can advise on process integration strategies.
Q: What particle sizes are available for Microsorb™?
A: Microsorb™ is available in both granular and powdered forms, with specific particle size distributions optimized for different applications. Granular grades are typically used for finished agrochemical granules and industrial absorbents, while powdered grades serve seed coating, filtration aid, and specialty applications. Contact Clariant for detailed particle size specifications by grade.
Q: Is Microsorb™ suitable for use in organic or biological crop protection formulations?
A: Microsorb™ is a mineral-based carrier with no synthetic chemical components, making it compatible in principle with formulations targeting organic markets. Suitability for certified organic use depends on specific certification body requirements and the nature of the active ingredients incorporated. Clariant recommends verifying regulatory compliance for the intended market.
