Abstract
Three natural bentonites and their monoionic forms were investigated by the X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM photographs were analysed using the Photoshop CS4 software and the pore parameters were calculated. The parameters were compared to a interplanar spacing d001 value changes between different homoionic forms. The results suggest the connection between the type of exchangeable cation with the structural parameters of the pores and physicomechanical parameters of the soil, therefore the ion exchange method could be used for controlling soil properties corresponding to their suitability for use in the industry.
Highlights
There has been growing interest in the application of clays to environmental engineering, environmental protection engineering and industry
The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the microstructure of clays after the ion exchange, which may affect the properties of the clay soils and their suitability for use in a specific areas of engineering and industry
Phase identification was made based on the database PDF 4+ whereas the estimation of the individual phases was made using a semi-quantitative method in Diffrac Eva program
Summary
There has been growing interest in the application of clays to environmental engineering, environmental protection engineering and industry. Bentonites are a special group of clays, consisting essentially of the crystalline structure montmorillonite, which is responsible for a plasticity, thixotropy, high degree of swelling, particular expansive properties of the soil and a high potential adsorptivity to water. Thanks to the unique properties, bentonites are used e.g. for stabilizing boreholes and deep earthworks, in building guardrails while storing radioactive waste and for removing the toxic and radioactive contaminants from the environment and for halting the spread of the pollution in the soil, water and air. Connections between the type of exchangeable cation and soil mechanical properties [2,3] and changes in microstructural parameters [4,5] are confirmed. Looking for the connections between the microstructure features with the soil properties is very essential
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