Common Balling Agents
Balling agents are used to improve the physical properties of a material so that it is better suited for its intended purpose. Common balling agents include sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, borax, phosphate, and trona.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is used to create a strong electrolyte solution for use in a variety of applications. This solution can be used to increase the permeability of a material to absorption or facilitate the transport of water through soft or porous substances. In some applications, sodium chloride is used with other balling agents to create a balling mixture that exhibits non-ionic behavior.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate, or Epsom salt, is commonly used as a balling agent because of its roles in the formation of hydrated magnesium silicate-based minerals, such as montmorillonite. Magnesium sulfate is used to promote greater absorption of water into a material, which allows improved formation and handling characteristics. This material is most commonly used in the production of pottery, ceramic glazes, and adhesives.
Borax
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is used in a variety of applications due to its many properties. As a balling agent, borax allows for increased permeability of a material to water, which makes it suitable for use in drilling applications. This material is also used in the production of fireproofing and as a bio-chemical reaction catalyst.
Phosphate
Phosphate is a compound commonly occurring in nature and is used as a balling agent due to its ability to produce a colloidal suspension. This suspension can be used to promote greater water absorption into a material, which is beneficial in applications such as pottery, ceramics, and adhesives. Phosphate helps to reduce the effects of hard water on a material and has been reported to improve product strength and stability.
Trona
Trona, also known as sodium sesquicarbonate, is a mineral found in nature that is commonly used as a balling agent. This material is used to create a strong electrolyte solution for use in industrial and commercial applications. In addition to its balling properties, trona also serves as a fluxing agent when creating metal or jeweler’s alloys.
Balling agents are useful in a variety of applications, from pottery and ceramics to fireproofing and drilling. Common balling agents that are used include sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, borax, phosphate, and trona. Each of these materials can provide specific beneficial physical properties to a material, helping to make it better suited for its intended use.
