Bentomix™ AF
Bentomix™ AF is a product based on activated sodium bentonite — a mineral with exceptional binding, swelling, and ion exchange properties — specially formulated for applications in coated and encapsulated fertilizer formulations. Unlike conventional binders or coating agents, Bentomix™ AF combines multiple functional roles in a single mineral solution: it improves granule integrity, enhances nutrient distribution, and provides mechanical and thermal resistance throughout storage, transportation, and application.
Its high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and large surface area make it a technically superior choice for formulators who need reliable performance in demanding agronomic and logistical conditions.
Product Information
High Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC):
- Activated sodium bentonite offers a significantly higher cation exchange capacity than conventional clay minerals, providing superior nutrient retention and enabling balanced, controlled nutrient release from the granule matrix.
Superior Granule Integrity and Binding:
- Bentomix™ AF's binding properties maintain product cohesion and physical stability throughout the granule lifecycle — from production to field application — reducing breakage, fines, and inconsistency.
Uniform Nutrient Distribution:
- By enhancing viscosity and improving the uniformity of nutrient dispersion within the formulation, Bentomix™ AF contributes to more consistent agronomic performance per granule.
Mechanical and Thermal Resistance:
- Coated fertilizer granules face significant mechanical stress during transport and handling. Bentomix™ AF delivers high performance under varied conditions — including impact, compression, and temperature variation — protecting the coating layer and nutrient content.
Abrasion Resistance and Dust Reduction:
- Minimizes dust formation caused by friction during handling and transport, contributing to safer working conditions and reducing product loss.
Bentomix™ AF is recommended for:
- Coated and encapsulated fertilizers requiring uniform coating, physical resistance, and reliable controlled release — particularly in formulations destined for humid tropical climates or long supply chains.
- Fertilizer granule production where high mechanical impact resistance is required during blending, bagging, or bulk transport.
- Formulations for regions with significant temperature or humidity variation, where granule integrity is critical to product quality at point of application.
- Applications where a high cation exchange capacity mineral is needed to improve nutrient retention within the granule matrix.
Q: What makes activated sodium bentonite different from standard bentonite?
A: Activation with sodium ions significantly increases the swelling capacity, surface area, and cation exchange capacity of the mineral compared to calcium or natural bentonite. This results in superior binding strength, better viscosity control, and improved nutrient retention — all critical properties for coated fertilizer applications.
Q: Can Bentomix™ AF replace synthetic binders?
A: Yes. Bentomix™ AF is specifically designed as a mineral-based alternative to synthetic polymer binders, offering comparable or superior binding performance while providing additional functional benefits such as cation exchange and thermal resistance.
Q: Is it suitable for long transport chains?
A: Yes. Its mechanical and thermal resistance makes it particularly well-suited for formulations that undergo extended or challenging transport and storage conditions before reaching the end user.
Q: How is Bentomix™ AF different from Bentomix™ GF?
A: Bentomix™ GF is optimized for controlling the rate of nutrient release from the granule to the soil. Bentomix™ AF is optimized for the physical performance of coated or encapsulated granules — prioritizing granule integrity, coating uniformity, and mechanical resistance. The two products address different formulation challenges and can be used in complementary applications.
