State of The Art Organoclay Technology

ALINA state of the art organofilisation technology

Wide range of applications

ALINA employs organofilisation technology that is beyond the industry well known dry and wet methods – it is ZERO waste & energy efficient, one stage production process.

 

ALINA technology is applied to the naturally occurring montmorillonite minerals (phylosilicates), that are specifically surface-treated to change the hydrophilic into a hydrophobic surface, without changing the structure of the montmorillonite mineral. The main surface treatment agents used in manufacturing are quaternary ammonium salts or quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly called quaternary amines or more usually, quats. Due to their physico-chemical properties, organoclays have a wide range of end-uses, from paints and coatings, cosmetics and personal care to lubricating grease and foundry washes.

 

2012, Feb

Research & Development started in Latvia University

2016, Jan

First ALINA LIFE powder form products introduced

2017, Jan

PCT international application (WIPO) filled

2017, Dec

Private investment obtained for manufacturing in semi-industrial scale

2018, May

New form ALINA LIFE slurry materials introduced to the market

2017, May

Co-creation started with paint manufacturers in Europe

2016, Dec

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard received

2015, Dec

ALINA company established

2012, Feb

Research & Development started in Latvia University

2016, Jan

First ALINA LIFE powder form products introduced

2017, Jan

PCT international application (WIPO) filled

2017, Dec

Private investment obtained for manufacturing in semi-industrial scale

2018, May

New form ALINA LIFE slurry materials introduced to the market

2017, May

Co-creation started with paint manufacturers in Europe

2016, Dec

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard received

2015, Dec

ALINA company established

Technology application for various montmorillonite minerals

ALINA technology has been applied and tested for number of different montmorillonite minerals. To obtain organoclays, there are no limitations towards purity and composition or raw materials. The X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) analyses are employed for the characterisation of the finished organoclay. The interlayer spacing of the smectite increases after the selected cationic surfactant is successfully introduced into dioctaedrical montmorillonite mineral. Increment of the basal spacing of the montmorillonite mineral can be achieved till 42 Ȧ which indicates on the intercalation of the selected cationic surfactant into the montmorillonite structure.

ALINA Technology Benefits

Applicable for high and low smectite montmorillonites

Applicable for high and low smectite montmorillonites

Technology is applicable for different type of montmorillonites. To obtain organoclays, there are no limitations towards purity and composition or raw materials.

Opportunity to obtain various organoclay products

Opportunity to obtain various organoclay products

Various materials could be obtained, using different montmorillonite minerals, quats and the organofilisation medias.

Zero waste, one stage organofilisation process

Zero waste, one stage organofilisation process

Organoclay manufacturing technology is environment friendly - one stage, zero waste process.

Intercalation and exfoliation

Intercalation and exfoliation

Technology can be adjusted for exfoliation, where Increment of the basal spacing of the montmorillonite mineral can be achieved over 42 Ȧ

Integrated into production

Integrated into production

Technology to obtain organoclay is integratable into manufacturing processes for in-house manufacturing.

Patented for licensing

Patented for licensing

Technology has been patented and the know-how is documented for licensing to the third parities.

OECD Assessments About Organoclays Technology

Organoclays are considered to be inert solids

Organoclays are considered to be inert solids

Organoclays are free flowing solid powders that are essentially insoluble in water, in organic solvents and in liquids, and with no volatility under ambient conditions. Although there may be some degradation when subjected to extreme heat, the organoclays do not melt or boil. Based on physico-chemical parameters, the organoclays are considered to be inert solids. Particle size analysis of an extremely fine organoclay powder shows a distribution of 1 to 40 um, and the slurries have a distribution of 0.1 to 2 um.

Organoclays are two-dimensional inorganic polymers with a layered structure

Organoclays are two-dimensional inorganic polymers with a layered structure

All smectite clay minerals are two-dimensional inorganic polymers with a layered structure. Each individual crystal is one unit cell (about one nanometer) thick, up to 1,000 nanometers across and carries a net negative charge typically between 0.8-1.5 meq/g. This charge attracts cations to the large exterior surfaces of the individual clay crystals. The sodium and calcium cations common in naturally occurring smectites give the layer surfaces a strongly hydrophilic nature. The cations can be readily exchanged with quaternary ammonium cations to produce the "organoclay compounds." In contrast to the calcium and sodium cations, the quaternary ammonium ions are tightly held to the clay. The resulting organoclay compounds ("salts") that is very hydrophobic in nature.

Organoclays are manufactured with at least sufficient organic cation to satisfy the cation exchange

Organoclays are manufactured with at least sufficient organic cation to satisfy the cation exchange

Organoclays are typically manufactured with at least sufficient organic cation to satisfy the cation exchange of the clay, and frequently with more than that amount. Depending on the molar ratio of the cation to the clay, and the molecular weight of the cationic compound utilized, the clay content is typically between 50 and 75% of the organoclay; however, higher and lower amounts may be employed.

Organoclay materials are used in industrial and personal consumer products

Organoclay materials are used in industrial and personal consumer products

Organoclay materials are used in industrial and personal consumer products such as solvent-borne paints and stains, in specialty coatings and adhesives, specialty sealants, cosmetics and personal care products (antiperspirants) and drilling fluids. When used in paints or adhesives, the organoclay material is encapsulated in the final product. Less than 1% of organoclays as supplied will have particle sizes below 10 microns. For high quality consumer applications such as paints and coatings, inks, lubricating grease, cosmetic applications, etc., these materials are typically ground to an average particle size of ca. 75 μm.

Request for ALINA LIFE product sample

As per request, we send ALINA product samples for labatory testing. It takes 5 business days for sample delivery.