SOME CLAY‐WATER PROPERTIES OF CERTAIN CLAY MINERALS*

Abstract

AbstractComputed values are given for the thickness of the water film adsorbed on the surfaces of the various clay minerals when clays composed of such minerals develop specific plastic characteristics. Based on such values, the following concept of clay‐water relationships is presented: The dominant factor determining the plastic properties of clays is the rigidity of the water held on the surfaces of the clay minerals, and the point of beginning of the transition of completely rigid water to liquid water is marked by great changes in such properties. Each type of clay mineral seems to have a characteristic ability to stabilize water, and the exchangeable ions also exert an influence. The reaction between water and kaolinite or halloysite may require considerable time so that there is frequently a time lag after mixing clays composed of such minerals before the plastic properties are fully developed.Application of the foregoing concept in the fields of geology, ceramics, and soil mechanics are suggested.