TAGRA 2024

By using nanotechnology, it is possible to achieve properties of materials that are not visible in larger-sized. Bentonite is a mineral from the group of sheet phyllosilicates, which is mainly composed of the mineral montmorillonite. Pure montmorillonite (nano-clay) is the most widely used clay mineral in various industries, especially the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Since montmorillonite with a purity of over 95% is required for the production of nano-clay, it is essential to remove the impurities associated with bentonite to the desired extent and requires special purification processes. Common methods of purification and extraction of nano-clay are generally chemical and expensive, and the chemicals used for purification can have a negative impact on the process and properties of nano-clay. Therefore, safe and non-chemical methods (physical and mechanical methods) should be used in the separation and extraction of montmorillonite nano-clay for pharmaceutical purposes. Due to the fineness of montmorillonite crystals compared to associated impurities, the purification and extraction process of montmorillonite nanoclay from bentonite can be based on particle size separation by mechanical separation. To assess the quality and effectiveness of the purification and extraction method of the produced nanoclay, a laser particle size analysis (PSA) device can be used. Based on the research results, purification and extraction of montmorillonite nanoclay from bentonite by using a mechanical method based on particle size fractionation and separation is a safe, efficient, and side-effect-free method for purifying nanoclay for pharmaceutical use.