One Natural Mineral. A Remarkable Range of Uses.

Natural diatomaceous earth can be incorporated into soil, potting mixes, and growing media as a mineral soil amendment. Its porous structure can help soil and growing media retain moisture and dry more slowly, while providing a naturally occurring source of silica. DE has also been studied for its potential to improve nutrient availability, moisture retention, and resilience to drought and nutrient leaching.

Natural DE can be incorporated into seed-coating systems. The mineral can increase the size and improve the shape of small seeds, making them easier to handle during mechanical planting. For larger seeds, coatings may also help reduce damage during handling and planting operations.

The highly porous and absorbent structure of DE makes it useful as an anti-caking and flow-support material in certain dry formulations. By helping manage excess moisture, DE can help powders and granular materials remain free-flowing during processing, storage, and handling. Suitability depends upon the product specification and intended use.

One of DE's most useful physical characteristics is its ability to absorb liquids. Its highly porous structure makes it useful in commercial and industrial absorbent products and spill-management applications.

The microscopic structure of natural DE gives it mild abrasive properties that can make certain grades useful in polishing compounds and other applications requiring controlled abrasion.

DE's combination of high porosity and surface area allows it to function as a support or carrier for other materials. In catalyst systems, the porous mineral structure can provide a larger surface on which active material can be distributed. DE can also act as a carrier for minerals, nutrients, and components in agricultural formulations.

Certain grades of diatomaceous earth are used as supplementary cementitious materials and admixtures in cement and concrete systems. Depending on the DE grade, formulation, and mix design, applications have been associated with characteristics such as workability, hydration, water resistance, and permeability. Final performance depends on the specific formulation and should be evaluated for the intended application.

Filtration is one of the applications most closely associated with diatomaceous earth. DE's microscopic porous structure can create a filtration matrix capable of trapping suspended solids while allowing liquids to pass through. Commercial DE filter aids are used in industries ranging from beverage production to industrial liquid processing. Filtration performance and suitability vary by DE grade and application — contact Nature's Shield to discuss your specific process requirements.

Because DE can be absorbent, mildly abrasive, porous, and lightweight, different grades are incorporated into a variety of commercial and consumer formulations. DE has been used in cleaning, polishing, storage, and other specialty products where these physical characteristics provide functional value.

The absorbent and mildly abrasive characteristics of DE have led to its use in a variety of household products and formulations, including moisture and odor-management products, cleaning products, and polishing applications.