Laponite RD is a synthetic layered silicate that is insoluble in water but hydrates and swells to form clear, colorless colloidal dispersions. At concentrations of 2% or greater in water, it produces highly thixotropic gels, making it an ideal gelling agent for a variety of applications. This versatile ingredient is used in ceramic glazes, surface coatings, waterborne coatings, and oilfield applications. It also functions as a texturizing agent in agrochemicals and as a cleaning agent in household and industrial cleaners. Due to its hygroscopic nature, Laponite RD can enhance the formulation's viscosity and improve stability in various systems.

Chemical Name: Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate

CAS Number: 53320-86-8

Chemical Family: Phyllosilicates, Silicates

Synonyms: Laponite

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

CASE Ingredients Features
Product Benefits

Laponite RD is a synthetic layered silicate. It is insoluble in water but hydrates and swells to give clear and colorless colloidal dispersions. At concentrations of 2% or greater in water, highly thixotropic gels can be produced.

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Application Area
Coating End Applications
Home Care Applications
I&I Cleaning Applications
Industrial Additives End Use
Recommended Uses

Used for imparting a shear sensitive structure to a wide range of waterborne formulations. These include household and industrial surface coatings, cleansers, ceramic glazes agrochemical, oilfield and horticultural products.

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Free flowing, white powder
Insoluble in
Water
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Free Moisturemax. 10%ELP-L-5A
Sieve Analysis (> 250 μm)max. 2%ELP-L-6A
Gel Strengthmin. 22gELP-L-1H
pH Value (2 % suspension)9.8--
Surface Area370m²/gBET
Bulk Density1000kg/m³-
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Decomposition Temperaturemin. 500°C-
Density (at 20°C)2.53g/cm³-
Vapour Pressuremax. 0.0001hPaEstimated
Bulk Density1000kg/m³-
AppearancePowder--
ColorWhite--
Flammability (solid, gas)Will not burn--
OdorOdorless--
pH (Concentration: 20g/l, as a dispersion)9.8--
Slightly soluble inWater--
Composition
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Loss on Ignition (dry basis)8.2%-
Sodium Oxide Content (dry basis)2.8%-
Lithium Oxide Content (dry basis)0.8%-
Magnesium Oxide Content (dry basis)27.5%-
Silicon Dioxide Content (dry basis)59.5%-

Regulatory & Compliance

OEM Specifications

Storage & Handling

Storage Information

Laponite is hygroscopic and should be stored under dry conditions.