Premium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Applications
Magnesium aluminum silicate, also known as Attapulgite or Palygorskite with typical composition varying based on geological source and CAS number 12174-11-7, featuring complex hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate crystal structure and fine white to cream powder consistency, appearing as naturally occurring fibrous clay mineral with exceptional colloidal properties, outstanding water absorption capacity, and superior rheological modification characteristics, is a specialized phyllosilicate mineral with excellent thixotropic behavior, improved suspension stability, and superior performance compared to synthetic thickening agents. Magnesium aluminum silicate is specifically processed to provide enhanced viscosity control, improved emulsion stability, and superior performance in applications requiring effective rheological modification, reliable particle suspension, stable thixotropic behavior, and pharmaceutical-grade processing in tablet manufacturing, topical formulations, cosmetic products, and industrial systems. The compound functions through multiple mechanisms including particle network formation enabling thixotropic behavior, surface charge interactions providing suspension stability, and hydrogen bonding ensuring compatibility, providing broad-spectrum rheological capability, effective viscosity control, excellent chemical compatibility under processing conditions, and outstanding safety profile during handling and application. Magnesium aluminum silicate represents one of the most versatile and essential rheological modifiers in modern pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, and industrial sectors, providing exceptional thixotropic efficiency, superior suspension performance, excellent chemical stability without degradation, and outstanding biocompatibility profile during processing and application, making it essential for pharmaceutical formulations, personal care products, architectural paints, drilling fluids, and specialized applications requiring high-performance clay mineral technology and regulatory compliance with pharmaceutical and industrial standards.
At Chemicals & Process Equipment Limited, we supply advanced Magnesium Aluminum Silicate manufactured under stringent quality control standards and international pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, industrial, and safety specifications. Our comprehensive product range includes various mesh sizes, surface treatments, and specialized grades meeting diverse requirements for pharmaceutical applications, cosmetic formulations, paint manufacturing, industrial processing, and specialized applications across global pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, and industrial markets.
✅ Advanced Clay Mineral Technology – Optimized Rheological Performance & Multi-Industry Applications
✅ Consistent Quality Standards – Multiple Product Classifications with Comprehensive Documentation
✅ Essential Rheological Modifier – Superior Thixotropic Properties, Suspension Stability & Compatibility
✅ Multi-Industry Applications – Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Paint, Industrial, Drilling Fluid Processing
✅ Technical Support Package – Complete Application Guidance & Performance Optimization
The global magnesium aluminum silicate market was valued at approximately USD 425 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 615 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Market expansion is driven by increasing pharmaceutical production, growing cosmetic industry demand, expanding paint and coating applications, and rising industrial processing requirements in oil and gas drilling operations.
Technical Specifications & Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Properties
| Property | USP Grade | Cosmetic Grade | Paint Grade | Industrial Grade | Technical Grade | Research Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss on Drying (%) | 8.0-15.0 | 7.0-16.0 | 6.0-18.0 | 5.0-20.0 | 4.0-22.0 | 9.0-13.0 |
| pH (5% suspension) | 7.0-9.5 | 6.5-10.0 | 6.0-10.5 | 5.5-11.0 | 5.0-11.5 | 7.5-9.0 |
| Viscosity (2% suspension) (cP) | 1500-3000 | 1200-3500 | 800-4000 | 600-5000 | 400-6000 | 2000-2800 |
| Particle Size D90 (μm) | <40 | <45 | <35 | <50 | <75 | <30 |
| Specific Surface Area (m²/g) | 120-180 | 100-200 | 80-220 | 60-250 | 40-300 | 140-170 |
| Oil Absorption (g/100g) | 60-120 | 50-130 | 40-140 | 35-150 | 30-160 | 80-100 |
| Cation Exchange (meq/100g) | 20-35 | 18-40 | 15-45 | 12-50 | 10-55 | 25-30 |
| Bulk Density (g/cm³) | 0.3-0.7 | 0.2-0.8 | 0.2-0.9 | 0.1-1.0 | 0.1-1.2 | 0.4-0.6 |
| True Density (g/cm³) | 2.2-2.4 | 2.1-2.5 | 2.0-2.6 | 1.9-2.7 | 1.8-2.8 | 2.3-2.4 |
| SiO2 Content (%) | 54-62 | 52-64 | 50-66 | 48-68 | 45-70 | 56-60 |
| Al2O3 Content (%) | 10-18 | 9-20 | 8-22 | 7-24 | 6-26 | 12-16 |
| MgO Content (%) | 8-14 | 7-16 | 6-18 | 5-20 | 4-22 | 9-13 |
| Fe2O3 Content (%) | <3.0 | <4.0 | <5.0 | <6.0 | <8.0 | <2.0 |
| CaO Content (%) | <3.0 | <4.0 | <5.0 | <6.0 | <8.0 | <2.5 |
| K2O Content (%) | <2.0 | <3.0 | <4.0 | <5.0 | <6.0 | <1.5 |
| Na2O Content (%) | <1.0 | <2.0 | <3.0 | <4.0 | <5.0 | <0.8 |
| TiO2 Content (%) | <0.5 | <1.0 | <1.5 | <2.0 | <3.0 | <0.3 |
| Heavy Metals (ppm) | <20 | <50 | <100 | <200 | <500 | <10 |
| Lead (Pb) (ppm) | <2 | <5 | <10 | <20 | <50 | <1 |
| Arsenic (As) (ppm) | <2 | <5 | <10 | <20 | <50 | <1 |
| Mercury (Hg) (ppm) | <0.1 | <0.5 | <1 | <2 | <5 | <0.1 |
| Cadmium (Cd) (ppm) | <1 | <2 | <5 | <10 | <20 | <0.5 |
| Crystalline Silica (%) | <0.1 | <0.5 | <1.0 | <2.0 | <5.0 | <0.05 |
| Microbial Count (cfu/g) | <100 | <1000 | <10000 | NMT | NMT | <50 |
| Appearance | White/Cream Powder | Cream/Tan Powder | Variable | Tan/Gray | Variable | White Powder |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Slight Earthy | Earthy | Variable | Odorless |
| Thixotropic Index | 2.5-4.0 | 2.0-5.0 | 1.5-6.0 | 1.2-8.0 | 1.0-10.0 | 3.0-3.5 |
| Gel Strength (lb/100ft²) | – | – | – | 15-35 | 10-50 | – |
| Application Concentration (%) | 0.5-5 | 1-8 | 2-15 | 3-25 | 5-40 | Variable |
| Storage Temperature (°C) | 15-30 | 10-35 | 5-40 | 0-45 | -5-50 | 20-25 |
| Shelf Life (years) | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Regulatory Status | USP/NF | Cosmetic | Technical | Industrial | Technical | Analytical |
Available Product Types:
- USP Grade for pharmaceutical and medical applications
- Cosmetic Grade for personal care and beauty products
- Paint Grade for architectural and industrial coatings
- Industrial Grade for drilling fluids and industrial processing
- Technical Grade for general industrial applications
- Research Grade for laboratory and analytical applications
- Activated Grade with enhanced surface area and reactivity
- Purified Grade with reduced impurities and contaminants
- Fine Particle Size for smooth texture applications
- Coarse Grade for filtration and industrial processing
- Surface-Modified with organic treatments for compatibility
- Pharmaceutical Excipient grade for tablet and capsule manufacturing
- Food Grade for limited food processing applications
- High-Purity Grade for specialized electronic applications
- Custom Specifications for specific application requirements
Specialized Application Solutions:
- Pharmaceutical formulation development and stability studies
- Cosmetic texture optimization and sensory evaluation
- Paint rheology modification and application studies
- Drilling fluid optimization and performance testing
- Industrial suspension stabilization and viscosity control
- Quality control method development and validation
- Particle characterization and surface analysis
- Compatibility testing with active ingredients
- Regulatory compliance assistance and documentation support
- Custom formulation development and application testing
Pharmaceutical Applications
Tablet Formulations Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize USP Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for tablet binding, disintegration control, and pharmaceutical formulations requiring pharmaceutical specifications. Pharmaceutical scientists employ magnesium aluminum silicate as binder, disintegrant, and glidant providing improved tablet hardness, controlled release characteristics, and superior manufacturing efficiency with typical concentrations of 1-10% depending on formulation requirements and therapeutic objectives.
Topical Preparations Pharmaceutical companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for topical gels, ointments, and dermatological products requiring topical specifications. Formulation scientists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for viscosity control, suspension stability, and skin compatibility providing smooth application, enhanced stability, and superior therapeutic delivery with excellent dermatological tolerance.
Liquid Formulations Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for suspensions, syrups, and liquid medications requiring liquid specifications. Pharmaceutical formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for particle suspension, viscosity modification, and stability enhancement providing uniform distribution, improved palatability, and extended shelf life.
Antacid Products Pharmaceutical companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for antacid formulations, digestive health products, and gastric medications requiring antacid specifications. Medicinal chemists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for acid neutralization, gastric protection, and therapeutic efficacy providing symptom relief, gastric buffering, and excellent patient compliance.
For comprehensive information about magnesium aluminum silicate applications in pharmaceutical formulations, you can reference this detailed technical monograph on pharmaceutical clay minerals which provides extensive coverage of pharmaceutical uses, quality specifications, analytical methods, and regulatory requirements from USP-NF standards.
Cosmetic & Personal Care Applications
Facial Care Products Cosmetic manufacturers utilize Cosmetic Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for face masks, cleansers, and skincare formulations requiring cosmetic specifications. Cosmetic chemists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for oil absorption, pore cleansing, and skin conditioning providing deep cleaning action, excess oil control, and superior skin benefits with concentrations typically ranging from 2-15% depending on product type and intended effects.
Makeup Products Cosmetic companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for foundations, powders, and color cosmetics requiring makeup specifications. Makeup formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for texture enhancement, oil control, and application improvement providing smooth application, long-wearing properties, and superior cosmetic performance.
Hair Care Formulations Hair care manufacturers utilize Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for shampoos, styling products, and scalp treatments requiring hair care specifications. Hair care scientists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for oil absorption, scalp cleansing, and product viscosity providing enhanced cleansing, improved styling hold, and superior hair manageability.
Personal Care Products Personal care companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for deodorants, body powders, and hygiene products requiring personal care specifications. Personal care formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for moisture absorption, antimicrobial effects, and comfort enhancement providing all-day protection, skin dryness, and excellent consumer satisfaction.
Paint & Coating Applications
Architectural Paints Paint manufacturers utilize Paint Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for interior paints, exterior coatings, and architectural finishes requiring paint specifications. Paint formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for rheological control, sag resistance, and application properties providing excellent brushability, reduced settling, and superior finish quality with typical loading levels of 0.5-3% depending on paint system and performance requirements.
Industrial Coatings Coating companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for protective coatings, marine paints, and specialty finishes requiring coating specifications. Coating technologists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for thixotropic behavior, corrosion protection, and durability enhancement providing improved application characteristics, enhanced protection, and extended service life.
Primer Systems Primer manufacturers utilize Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for surface preparation, adhesion promotion, and coating systems requiring primer specifications. Surface coating specialists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for substrate wetting, rheological control, and performance enhancement providing superior adhesion, improved coverage, and excellent coating system compatibility.
Specialty Coatings Specialty coating manufacturers use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for textured finishes, anti-slip coatings, and functional applications requiring specialty specifications. Specialty coating formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for texture development, slip resistance, and performance modification providing unique surface characteristics, enhanced functionality, and superior performance benefits.
Industrial Applications
Drilling Fluids Oil and gas companies utilize Industrial Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for drilling mud, completion fluids, and wellbore applications requiring drilling fluid specifications. Drilling fluid engineers employ magnesium aluminum silicate for viscosity control, fluid loss control, and wellbore stability providing effective hole cleaning, formation protection, and superior drilling performance with typical concentrations of 1-5% depending on formation conditions.
Foundry Applications Foundry operations use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for molding sands, core making, and metal casting requiring foundry specifications. Foundry engineers employ magnesium aluminum silicate for sand bonding, mold strength, and casting quality providing improved mold integrity, reduced defects, and superior casting finish.
Adhesive & Sealant Manufacturing Adhesive manufacturers utilize Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for construction adhesives, sealants, and bonding applications requiring adhesive specifications. Adhesive formulators employ magnesium aluminum silicate for rheological control, sag resistance, and performance enhancement providing improved workability, enhanced bonding, and superior application characteristics.
Paper Manufacturing Paper companies use Magnesium Aluminum Silicate for paper coating, filler applications, and specialty papers requiring paper specifications. Paper technologists employ magnesium aluminum silicate for opacity improvement, printability enhancement, and cost optimization providing superior print quality, enhanced brightness, and manufacturing efficiency.
Quality Control & Testing Procedures
Comprehensive Quality Assurance Every production batch undergoes extensive testing to ensure compliance with magnesium aluminum silicate standards, pharmaceutical requirements, cosmetic specifications, and international quality standards. Our quality control laboratory employs advanced analytical techniques including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, rheological testing, and comprehensive performance evaluation.
Quality assurance procedures include:
- Loss on drying determination using gravimetric analysis
- pH measurement using calibrated electrode systems
- Viscosity testing using rotational viscometry
- Particle size analysis using laser diffraction
- Specific surface area measurement using BET method
- Oil absorption testing using rub-out procedures
- Cation exchange capacity using ammonium acetate method
- Bulk density determination using standardized procedures
- Chemical composition analysis using XRF spectroscopy
- SiO2 content determination using gravimetric analysis
- Al2O3 analysis using colorimetric methods
- MgO content testing using atomic absorption spectroscopy
- Fe2O3 determination using spectrophotometric methods
- Heavy metals testing using ICP-OES techniques
- Lead analysis using graphite furnace methods
- Arsenic determination using hydride generation techniques
- Mercury testing using cold vapor atomic absorption
- Cadmium analysis using electrothermal atomization
- Crystalline silica testing using X-ray diffraction
- Microbiological testing using plate count methods
- Appearance evaluation using visual inspection standards
- Thixotropic index measurement using rheological testing
- Gel strength determination using gel strength meter
- Performance testing using application-specific methods
- Stability testing using accelerated aging protocols
Storage & Handling Procedures Implement proper storage conditions including controlled humidity and temperature, protection from moisture absorption and contamination, appropriate pharmaceutical-grade packaging materials, segregation from incompatible substances, and comprehensive safety procedures for maintaining Magnesium Aluminum Silicate quality and ensuring safe handling throughout storage and application periods.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
Pharmaceutical Standards USP Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate complies with United States Pharmacopeia standards, pharmaceutical quality specifications, and international drug regulations ensuring safe use in pharmaceutical applications with established safety profiles and comprehensive toxicological assessments for drug formulation applications.
Cosmetic Standards Cosmetic Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate adheres to cosmetic safety regulations, personal care standards, and international cosmetic directives ensuring safe use in cosmetic applications with established safety protocols and dermatological compatibility assessments for skin contact applications.
Industrial Standards Industrial Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate complies with industrial quality standards, environmental regulations, and workplace safety requirements ensuring appropriate use in industrial applications with established safety criteria and environmental compatibility for manufacturing processes.
Food Contact Standards Food Grade Magnesium Aluminum Silicate meets food contact regulations, indirect food additive standards, and international food safety requirements ensuring appropriate use in food-related applications with established safety criteria and regulatory compliance.
Performance Advantages & Technical Benefits
✔ Superior Thixotropic Properties – Excellent shear-thinning behavior for improved application
✔ Outstanding Suspension Capability – Effective particle suspension and stability maintenance
✔ Pharmaceutical Compatibility – USP compliant with excellent biocompatibility profile
✔ Rheological Control – Precise viscosity modification and flow behavior optimization
✔ Multiple Applications – Suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, and industrial use
✔ Natural Origin – Clay mineral with excellent environmental compatibility
✔ Processing Efficiency – Easy incorporation and excellent manufacturing compatibility
✔ Chemical Inertness – Stable performance under various pH and temperature conditions
✔ Quality Consistency – Uniform performance across production batches
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Approved for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial use
✔ Cost Effectiveness – Economic rheological modifier with superior performance
✔ Storage Stability – Long shelf life under proper storage conditions
✔ Global Availability – Reliable supply chains and worldwide distribution networks
✔ Technical Versatility – Multiple industry applications and formulation systems
✔ Technical Support – Complete application guidance and optimization services
Our Magnesium Aluminum Silicate products represent industry-leading standards in clay mineral technology and multi-industry rheological solutions, specifically processed for demanding pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic applications, paint manufacturing, and advanced industrial processing requiring exceptional thixotropic characteristics, reliable suspension performance, and comprehensive technical optimization. We provide complete technical support, process guidance, and performance consultation to ensure optimal results across your specialized pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, or industrial processing applications.
For detailed specifications, technical data sheets, or application-specific recommendations, contact our specialized mineral processing division. We offer complete support including product selection, process optimization, compatibility testing, regulatory guidance, performance monitoring, and technical assistance to maximize effectiveness in your pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint, or industrial processing applications.
For more information about our products, feel free to Contact Us today.












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