METHOD OF PRODUCING A MODIFIED SMECTITE OR SMECTITE-CONTAINING SUBSTANCE CAPABLE OF TAKING UP AND RELEASING WATER IN A REVERSIBLE MANNER

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for producing a modified smectite or smectite-containing substance capable of forming gels which are not longer thixotropic, have a stable cross-linked structure and adhesive characteristic and are capable of taking up and releasing water in a reversible manner by treating a non-activated smectite or smectite-containing substance with a water soluble activating agent and with a water soluble polymer capable of reacting with said smectite, wherein 0-6% by weight, calculated on the weight of the smectite, of the water soluble activating agent and 0.3-6% by weight, calculated on the weight of the smectite, of the water soluble polymer are admixed with the smectite or smectite- containing substance, wherein: at least a part of the water soluble activating agent is added before and/or at latest simultaneously with the soluble polymer, wherein at least a part of the water soluble polymer is added as a dry solid, the mixture obtained contains an amount of water in a range of from 20 % by weight of water to 50 % by weight of water, on basis of the mixture.