Modification of Ashaka and Tango Bentonites with Tetraphenyl Phosphonium and Hexadecyl Pyridinium Bromides for Possible Use in Polymer-Clay Nanocomposite Preparation

Abstract

Bentonites from Ashaka (GA) and Tango (GT) of Gombe State, Nigeria were surface modified with Tetraphenyl phosphonium (TPP) and Hexadecyl pyridinium bromides (HDP) by cation exchange method for their possible use in Clay/polymer nanocomposite preparation. The surfaces of the modified products were characterized by means of spectroscopic, diffraction and scanning methods [Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)]. The basal spacing of the unmodified bentonite samples was 1.52nm and 1.29nm and after modification with TPP + and HDP + it increased to 1.86nm, 1.74nm and 2.15nm, 2.11nm respectively as determined from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results of the SEM images revealed rougher surfaces with uniformly dispersed small particles of grain-like structures characteristic of the organomodified bentonites. Bentonites from Ashaka (GA) and Tango (GT) of Gombe State, Nigeria were surface modifiedwith Tetraphenyl phosphonium (TPP) and Hexadecyl pyridinium bromides (HDP) by cationexchange method for their possible use in clay/polymer nanocomposite preparation. Thesurfaces of the modified products were characterized by means of spectroscopic, diffractionand scanning methods (Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)). The basal spacing of the unmodifiedbentonite samples was 1.52 and 1.29 nm and after modification with TPP+ and HDP+ itincreased to 1.86 and 1.74 nm; and 2.15 and 2.11 nm respectively as determined from the Xraydiffraction (XRD) analysis. Results of the SEM images revealed rougher surfaces withuniformly dispersed small particles of grain-like structures characteristic of theorganomodified bentonites.