Abstract
The surface properties of a natural sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was dramatically altered by a cationic surfactant dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODMAC) through an intercalation and ion exchange reaction in alkane solvents. Optical micrographs show that in situ organo-modification with surfactant DODMAC significantly improves the dispersibility of Na-MMT in alkane solvents. Changes in the structure and surface properties of the organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) formed in octane, a volatile alkane, were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is shown that organo-modification of Na-MMT surfaces based on ion exchange reaction in alkane solvents results in dispersion of the hydrophilic Na-MMT in the organic medium. And most importantly, viscosity curves of the clay suspensions suggest a potential method to control the rheological behavior of dispersions in alkane solvents instead of using organophilic montmorillonites. Furthermore, dispersion approaches and mechanism presented here will be useful for choosing compatibilizer and optimizing processing conditions especially in developing pristine-clay polymer nanocomposites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
