Bentonite Geosynthetic Clay Liner

Bentonite is used successfully in a wide range of waste containment and sealant applications.

It is used in geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) to provide a low-permeability barrier for waste containment applications. GCLs are composite materials consisting of layers of geotextiles or geomembranes encapsulating a core of bentonite clay.

The bentonite clay used in GCLs is highly absorbent and swells when it comes into contact with water. This swelling ability is what makes bentonite an effective material for use in GCLs, as it helps to create a seal against the migration of liquids and gases.

In addition to its low-permeability properties, bentonite also has good shear strength and can maintain its properties even when subjected to high loads and stresses. This makes it an ideal material for use in landfill and other waste containment applications, where it is important to maintain the integrity of the liner over a long period of time.