Montmorillonite, a type of dioctahedral smectite clay mineral, has a wide range of modern applications outside of traditional medicine.

Here are some of the modern applications of montmorillonite:

1. Environmental Remediation: Montmorillonite is used in environmental remediation efforts to absorb and remove contaminants from soil, groundwater, and wastewater. Its high surface area and adsorption capacity make it effective for capturing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and other harmful substances, helping to mitigate environmental pollution.
2. Geotechnical Engineering: Montmorillonite is used in geotechnical engineering for its ability to improve the mechanical properties of soils. It is added to soil mixes to enhance stability, reduce permeability, and increase load-bearing capacity in construction projects such as building foundations, roads, and landfills.
3. Drilling Fluids: Montmorillonite is a key component of drilling fluids used in the oil and gas industry. Its colloidal properties help to stabilize boreholes, control fluid loss, and remove drill cuttings during drilling operations. Montmorillonite-based drilling fluids are also used in geothermal drilling and mineral exploration.
4. Catalysis: Montmorillonite-based catalysts are employed in various chemical reactions, including organic synthesis, petroleum refining, and wastewater treatment. Montmorillonite clays can be modified or functionalized to enhance their catalytic activity and selectivity, making them valuable catalyst materials in industrial processes.
5. Polymer Nanocomposites: Montmorillonite nanoparticles are incorporated into polymer matrices to produce polymer nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. These nanocomposites are used in automotive, aerospace, packaging, montmorillonite supplier  and construction industries to create lightweight, strong, and durable materials.
6. Personal Care Products: Montmorillonite is used in personal care products such as cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products for its absorbent and detoxifying properties. It is added to facial masks, cleansers, and exfoliants to remove impurities, excess oil, and toxins from the skin.
7. Animal Feed Additives: Montmorillonite is included in animal feed formulations as a feed additive to improve digestion, absorb toxins, and enhance nutrient utilization in livestock and poultry. It can help reduce the incidence of diarrhea, improve feed efficiency, and support overall animal health.
8. Food Industry: Montmorillonite is approved as a food additive by regulatory agencies and is used in food processing applications such as clarifying juices and wines, stabilizing emulsions, and controlling viscosity in food products. It is also used as an anticaking agent in powdered foods and as a carrier for flavors and nutrients.

These modern applications highlight the versatility and utility of montmorillonite in diverse industries, ranging from environmental remediation and geotechnical engineering to catalysis, nanotechnology, personal care, and food processing. Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to expand the potential uses of montmorillonite in innovative ways across various fields.