Description

Due to its enormous porosity, a characteristic that greatly reduces its density, sepiolite is commonly used as an industrial absorbent. It is involved in the production of various construction materials, including special types of mortars or cements. Furthermore, with its internal air-filled channels, it acts as a good thermal insulator for surfaces, an application for which it has also been used.

It is used in bentonite muds as a substitute for bentonite in drilling operations in terrains with saltwater presence and high temperatures.

However, it has shown surprising utility in hydrocarbon removal, including cleaning oil slicks covering the sea surface after a crude oil spill due to a navigation accident. Sepiolite absorbs the oil and keeps it afloat, allowing for easier removal. It is also used by emergency services to absorb hydrocarbons spilled as a result of vehicle accidents on public roads.

Another application is in motorsport competitions to absorb oil spills, creating a kind of solid mass easily removable with brooms. It is used in motor racing, such as F1, to absorb oil stains that may be on the track.

Due to its absorbent properties, sepiolite is also used directly as cat litter. 80% of Spanish sepiolite production is destined for this purpose.