Modified clay differs from natural clay in that it has undergone specific treatments to improve its performance for particular uses. These treatments can include adding chemicals, heat treatment, or physical alterations, which enhance the clay's effectiveness in specific applications like wastewater treatment, drug delivery, or as fillers in plastics.

Modified clay is used in a wide range of applications, including: Industrial Uses: Such as in the oil and gas industry, paints and coatings, and plastics. Environmental Uses: Including wastewater treatment, soil remediation, and air purification. Pharmaceutical Uses: For drug delivery systems and as excipients in medications.

While modified clays are often used to address environmental issues, such as pollution control and waste management, the processes used to modify the clay can have environmental impacts. It is essential to manage these processes carefully to minimize any negative effects, such as chemical runoff or energy consumption.

The future prospects of modified clay technology are promising, with ongoing research focused on developing more sustainable modification processes and exploring new applications. Innovations such as nanoclay technology and smart clays that respond to environmental stimuli are expected to expand the use of modified clays in advanced materials, environmental remediation, and healthcare solutions.

Modified clay is produced through various processes, including chemical treatments (with acids, bases, or organic compounds), physical modifications (grinding, exfoliation, thermal treatment), or a combination of both to achieve desired properties.