Study of Process Variables for Organofilization of the Bentonite Clay from Cubati, Pb

Abstract

Bentonite clays, after treated with surfactants, are called organofilic clays. The objective of this work is the development of organofilic clays, using ionic surfactants, based on a variety of smectite from Cubati, PB, for application in organic media. The following materials were used: Superior Gray bentonite clay from the town of Cubati, PB, Brazil, and the ionic surfactants Praepagen WB® and Praepagen HY®. The clay was characterized with basis on the granulometric analysis by laser diffraction (AG), chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and thermal differential (DTA). The clay was processed and then turned into sodic and later into organofilic clays. The results prove that there was intercalation of the ionic surfactant into the clay fraction, and that the process variables did not affect the organofilization process, but the surfactant type has influence on the process.