Capability of bentonites (plastic masses) to be greatly deformed without forming any cracks.
The bonding property of bentonites is ensured by their very large inner surface area, their high water-absorbing capacity, the flakey shape of clay minerals, and the capillarity of the water-filled pores. The flakey minerals enclosed by a water film are able to shift in a parallel movement while movement perpendicular to the flake plane is prevented by absorption and capillary forces. Both effects are caused by the great shapeability capacity.