Sepiolite – a by-product of exploitation as a potential raw material in Serbian industry

Abstract

This paper gives a brief overview of the sepiolite deposits, the basic properties, and the possibilities of using this mineral. Particular attention is paid to sepiolites from domestic production, especially the use of sepiolites suitable for the development of small businesses and technologies, with a focus on environmental protection. Aim of this paper is to point out importance of this mineral and to draw attention to the use of domestic raw materials.

With appropriate mechanical and chemical pretreatments, sepiolite is shown to be useful in following applications: NCR paper, drilling fluids, absorbents, carriers for chemicals, animal nutrition, agriculture, decolorising agents, cosmetics and pharmaceutical uses, etc.