AMMONIUM SORB® Structure

Generally speaking, natural AMMONIUM SORB® are hydrated aluminosilicates. They consist of an open, three-dimensional cage-like structure and a vast network of open channels extending throughout. Loosely bound, positively charged atoms called cations, are attached at the junctures of the negatively charged aluminosilicate lattice structure. The aluminosilicate framework provides exceptional strength and stability to the lattice structure.

The channels, typically 0.3 to 0.7 nanometers in diameter (3 to 7 angstroms, slightly larger than a water molecule), selectively screen molecules according to size and exchangeable cations. Molecules too large to pass through the entry channel are excluded, thus giving rise to the term “molecular sieve”.

The molecular structure, surface area, surface charge density, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of each particular AMMONIUM SORB® will determine its loading, shrinking, swelling and stability under various conditions.

AMMONIUM SORB® have a rigid, three-dimensional crystalline structure (similar to honeycomb) consisting of a network of interconnected tunnels and cages. AMMONIUM SORB® in general have high specific surface areas and their rigid framework limits shrinking and swelling.