Swelling clays of the montmorillonite type has long had wet-end applications in the pulp and paper industry since the 70’s, primarily in pitch reduction and as a microparticulate component in drainage aid systems.

NanoClays are produced by chemical or mechanical exfoliation or combinations thereof. Typical chemical additives to ease exfoliation are the group of cationic fatty acids. Mechanical exfoliation is carried out in high-pressure homogenizers. NanoClays are typically nanometer thick plates, the size of micrometers.

Apart from classical applications, new applications include blocking of fibre-fibre bonding in fluff pulp applications by nanoclay plating of fibres and in barrier coating applications to block gas permeation.