Bleaching earth, or fuller's earth, is a natural clay powder primarily used for purifying and decolorizing oils and fats. It's also used in cat litter and for some cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of its uses:
1. Refining and Purifying Oils and Fats:
- Edible oils: Bleaching earth removes impurities, coloring substances (like carotenoids), soaps, and other unwanted matter from vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, palm, etc.).
- Animal fats: It's also used to refine animal fats like tallow.
- Non-edible oils: Bleaching earth can be used to refine paraffins, waxes, and other non-edible oils.
- Petroleum products: It can be used in the refining of mineral oils and for decolorization.
2. Other Applications:
- Cat litter:Bleaching earth has been used in cat litter since the 1940s for its absorbent properties.
- Cosmetology and dermatology:Its ability to absorb oils, dirt, and impurities makes it useful for hair and skin care.
- Textile industry:While not the primary use, it can be used as a bleaching agent in textile processing.
- Water purification:It can be used as a disinfectant and water purification agent.