Modified Montmorillonite Clay Research Articles

Manufacturing of Starch Nanocrystals Graft Polycaprolactone Catalyzed by Natural Clay: Synthesis, Characterizations, and Thermal and Antioxidant Properties

This study presents an innovative approach for the production of starch nanocrystals (SNCs) grafted with polycaprolactone (PCL). Corn starch was subjected to hydrolysis using sulfuric acid (H2SO4), resulting in the formation of SNCs. These SNCs were subsequently grafted with polycaprolactone using Maghnite-H+ (an Algerian modified montmorillonite clay) as a solid acid catalyst. The resulting nanomaterial, denoted as SNCs-g-PCL, exhibited improved hydrophobic properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of a distinctive carbonyl C = O band at 1726 cm−1 in the SNCs-g-PCL, indicating successful grafting. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of protons (1H-NMR) exhibited new signals from the protons of PCL in the SNCs-g-PCL. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements demonstrated an increase in the diameter of the starch nanocrystals after PCL grafting. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a reduction in crystallinity and a transition from well-defined SNCs nanocrystals to a disordered structure upon PCL grafting. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of the SNCs, both before and after grafting, were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-phenyl hydrazine radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Nonetheless, the observed antioxidant activity was found to be comparable to that of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with an EC50 (Half maximal effective concentration) of around 100 mg/ml. This study highlights the potential of SNCs-g-PCL nanocrystals as a promising nanomaterial with antioxidant properties, making them suitable for various applications in the fields of materials science.

Modified Polyethylene Foams for Insulation Systems.

Effective insulation of buildings and other industrial objects requires the use of materials and system solutions that ensure maximum uniformity and density of insulation shells. The study focuses on the development of insulation systems based on expanded polyethylene and, in particular, on the development of modified polyethylene with reduced flammability containing a flame-retardant modified montmorillonite clay, which does not hinder gas formation, and silicate nanofillers in layered construction. Active experiments based on mathematical design methods allowed us to establish an analytical relationship between flame-retardant and modifier consumption and extruder pressure and response functions: average density of polyethylene foam and flammability criterion. The flammability criterion was taken as the oxygen index of the modified polyethylene foam. A foaming agent masterbatch was used as the flame retardant. Analytical optimization of mathematical models obtained as a result of active experiments allowed us to determine the optimal flame-retardant consumption, which was 3.7-3.8% of the polymer mass. Optimised systems for average density and oxygen index of flammability of modified polyethylene were obtained. A nomogram for predicting the material properties and selecting the composition, and an algorithm for a computer program for evaluating the properties of modified polyethylene foam as a function of the values of various factors, were developed. Taking into account the possible expansion of the scope of application of rolled polyethylene foam and seamless insulation shells based on it, possible solutions for insulation systems were studied using the program THERM, and a combined insulation system was adopted.

The Reinforcement Effect of Nanoclay on the Damping Characteristics of Hybrid Laminated Composites

The Hybrid Nanocomposite (HNC) laminates are processed by reinforcing the chopped strand mat glass fiber and organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMT) in the polyester matrix. The different percentage by weight (1, 2, 3, and 5% ) of OMT are mixed by high speed shear mixer into the polyester matrix and then the HNC laminates are fabricated by introducing pre-mixed polyester-clay into the CSM by hand lay-up technique. A tensile test result reveals that nanoclay in polyester matrix significantly improves the tensile modulus and strength of HNC. The results also indicate that increasing the amount of nanoclay beyond 2% by weight reduces the mechanical properties but surpassing the basic glass fiber filled system. The reinforcing effect of clay enhances the flexural modulus and strength. Considerable improvement in impact energy absorption is seen from the impact test. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that incorporation of nanoclay improves the storage modulus and Loss tangent of HNC. Free vibration tests and logarithmic decrement methods are used to predict the dynamic characteristics such as natural frequency, and damping factor for the first four modes of different clay concentrations. Dynamic results show that second phase nanoscale dispersion between the matrix and E-glass fiber significantly enhances the internal damping of hybrid composites.

Adsorption of heavy metals from mine wastewater using amino-acid modified Montmorillonite

This study was conducted to identify the ability of a modern developed amino-acid modified montmorillonite clay (AA-Mont) to adsorb Cu2+, Pb2+ and Ni2+ cations from a multi-aqueous wastewater. This experimental was conducted to identify the potential of clay-based adsorbents to remediate pollutants from the PRA river basin. Experimental wastewater was prepared using a range of the lowest and highest recorded upstream and downstream heavy metal concentrations of u2+(10.84 mg/L-108.48 mg/g), Ni2+(7.99 mg/g–79.92 mg/g), and Pb2+(33.538 mg/L—335.38 mg/L). The variants of the designed clay-based adsorbents were L-Cysteine montmorillonites (Cys-Mont), Glycine montmorillonite (Gly-Mont), and L-lysine Montmorillonites (Lys-Mont) prepared at pH 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The experimental conditions were; Adsorbent dosages range = 25 mg–400 mg, pH = 6.0, Contact time = 24 hrs, Temperature = 25°C and Shaker speed = 180 rmp. After the adsorption experiments, it was identified that the maximum average removal efficiency obtained for Cu2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+ were all attained at adsorbent dosage 400 mg/L and in the order Lys-Mont (99.82%)>Cys-Mont (99.28%)>Gly-Mont (95.8%). Thus, the modified Lys-Mont clay exhibited the highest heavy metal adsorption capacity amongst the above three studied. The highest and lowest adsorbed metal pollutants amounts recorded for Lys-Mont were Cu2+ (86.49 and 8.65) mg/g, Ni2+ (44.51 and 5.99) mg/g, and Pb2+ (267.85 and 26.67) mg/g respectively. The number of metal ions adsorbed per unit mass for each metal cation tested decreased with increasing adsorbent dosage. The general order of selectivity documented for all the AA-Monts in this study was Pb>Cu>Ni which is similar to the levels in the prepared wastewater solution (Pb>Cu>Ni). The findings of this study have shown that heavy metal polluted river basins can remediated given the right conditions of temperature, adsorbent dosage, pH and agitation speed.

Removal of color and COD from textile dyeing effluent by adsorption technique using montmorillonite clay

AbstractThe study involves the removal of color and COD from textile dyeing effluents using the method of adsorption. Montmorillonite clay is used as an adsorbent. The surface area of the adsorbent is increased using acid treatment techniques with Para Toluene Sulfonic Acid (PTSA) and Phenol Di‐Sulfonic Acid (PDSA) solutions. In addition, the dosage of adsorbent for maximum removal of color and COD, the effect of contact time on adsorption, and the treatment cost of montmorillonite clay with PTSA and PDSA were determined. From the results, the surface area of montmorillonite clay increased from 30 to 119 m2/g and 246 m2/g upon treating it with PTSA and PDSA solutions, respectively. Raw montmorillonite clay was able to adsorb 89% of acid dye with a dosage of 1.8 g/100 ml and 93% of basic dye with a dosage of 1.0 g/100 ml for a dye having an initial concentration of 2000 mg/L. With an increase in the surface area of modified montmorillonite clay, it was able to adsorb about 95% of acid dye with a dosage of 1.2 g/100 ml and 96% of basic dye with a dosage of 0.5 g/100 ml. Concerning Acid Blue1 dye, about 86%, 90%, and 93% of the dye were adsorbed in the initial 2 min for raw montmorillonite clay, modified montmorillonite clay treated with PTSA, and PDSA solution, respectively. In the case of Basic Yellow2 dye, about 86% of the dye was adsorbed in the initial 2 min for raw montmorillonite clay and the clay treated with PTSA solution, whereas about 96% of the dye was adsorbed onto clay treated with PDSA. Regarding Basic Violet1, about 98%, 96%, and 99% of the dye were adsorbed in the initial 2 min for raw montmorillonite clay, clay treated with PTSA, and clay treated with PDSA solution, respectively. The cost of treatment of clay with PTSA and PDSA solutions is found to be Rs. 1.70/g or 0.023 $ per gram and Rs. 6.6/g or 0.089 $ per gram of clay, respectively. Therefore, considering the cost of treatment, clay treated with PTSA is preferred over clay treated with PDSA solution.

Studies on Fluorocarbon Elastomer Nanocomposites for Sealing Applications

The usage of seals in several applications like aircraft engines is mostly made of Fluorocarbon (FKM) elastomer. They are coloured products that enable easier identification based on the applications. In such seals, fillers like carbon black cannot be added to reinforce and improvise the mechanical properties since carbon black does not make it possible to add colours. The properties after ageing are also very critical in sealing application, and they must also be improved. Also, Nanocomposites are the modern and growing trends in the field of polymers that show enormous changes in the properties of the polymers without affecting their basic properties. So, the need for improvisation of FKM seals and the concept of Nanocomposites can be merged to form FKM Nanocomposites with Nano clay and Nano silica as the fillers. The objective of this project is to improve the mechanical properties, better retention of properties after ageing and after fluid interaction of the FKM seals with the aid of Nanofillers. Different proportions of FKM nanocomposites were prepared using modified Nano Kaolin Clay & modified Montmorillonite clay (Cloisite grades). Various mechanical properties like tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, compression set and tear strength etc., were studied. The test results have shown good improvements while increasing the filler loading. This is helpful to manufacture seals of desired colours thereby avoiding the difficulties faced in the carbon black-filled FKM compounds.

Characteristics and performance studies of a composite polymer electrolyte membrane based on chitosan/glycerol-sulfosuccinic acid modified montmorillonite clay.

In this study, chitosan (CS) doped sulphosuccinic acid (SSA)-glycerol (Gly) and modified montmorillonite clay (MMT) were successfully fabricated. The membranes were prepared using the solution casting method. Analysis of morphology and topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the composite membrane with 3 wt% MMT filler, namely CS/MMT-1, possessed the most adequate surface roughness compared to the other fabricated membranes. Furthermore, mechanical characterization of the CS/MMT-1 composite membrane showed that the membrane achieved satisfactory mechanical strength with a value of 39.23 MPa. Proton conductivity of the composite membranes increased as the temperature was increased. The proton conductivity of the CS/MMT-1 composite membrane increased from 1.75 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 25 °C up to 3.57 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 80 °C. The CS/MMT-1 composite membrane also exhibited a methanol permeability value that was significantly lower than that of pristine CS, namely 1.22 × 10-7 cm2 s-1 and 12.49 × 10-7 cm2 s-1, respectively. The results of this study show that the fabricated composite membrane can be used as an alternative polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for DMFC applications.

Comparative studies of response surface modeling and Plackett-Burman optimization of particles removal from paint industrial wastewater using modified Aguleri montmorillonite clay

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) based on a statistically designed experiment (CCD) and Placket-Burman design was used as tools for simulation and optimization of particles removal from paint effluent using coagulation method. The studied input variables were dosage, time and temperature. The un-modified montmorillonite clay (UC) and modified montmorillonite clay (MMC) were characterized for elemental/structural elucidation using XRF, FTIR and SEM techniques and the results indicate that UC is rich in silicion (Si) followed by aluminum (AL) and ferrous (Fe). The acid modification confers on MMC net positive charges, making these useful as coagulants. The RSM optimization revealed that 91.9% particles removal can be achieved at 3 g/L, 38 min and 37 °C, while PBD shows that optimal particles removal of 86.4% is possible at 1 g of MMC, 30min and 45oC. Experimental validated of RSM result (89.8% particles removal) correlated with the model predicted value. The results obtained indicate that MMC can be very effective in removal of particles from paint wastewater. In addition, RSM is a better optimization tool than PBD.

Organoclay‐assisted vat dyeing of polypropylene nanocomposite fabrics

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) nanocomposite fabrics containing different types of modified montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclays were prepared by a melt compounding technique. Spinnable polymers were obtained by mixing PP master batches with 4 wt% MMT, possessing either tallow amine or tallow quaternary ammonium salt intercalating compounds with a pure untreated PP to MMT content of 0.5 wt%. After spinning, the prepared nanocomposites were drawn and knitted into fabrics for further testing and dyeing. The prepared PP nanocomposite fabrics containing hydrogenated tallow quaternary ammonium‐based organomodified nanoclays exhibited higher colour strength (K/S) using vat dyes compared with those containing either octadecylamine or trimethyloctadecyl ammonium‐based organomodified nanoclays and reference fabrics made from fibres spun without MMT clay content. The investigated vat dyes yielded relatively high K/S values on PP nanocomposite fabrics with very good to excellent wash, excellent fastness to bleaching with chlorine, perspiration, and good to excellent light fastness ratings.

Controlled release of essential oils using laminar nanoclay and porous halloysite / essential oil composites in a multilayer film reservoir

In this work the preparation and characterization of a multilayer film reservoir with clay/essential oil (EO) composites is described. The goal is to analyze the potential use of these reservoirs with clay/EOs composites as aroma-controlled release for various applications such as pesticide or attractant for pest control as well as antimicrobial. Two types of clays were analyzed, porous halloysite (HNT) and octadecyl modified montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay as well as two types of essential oils, orange (OO) and thyme oil (TO). The characterization was performed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and gas chromatography (GC) analysis. FTIR confirmed that both clays adsorbed the EOs. The DRX and TGA results showed that MMT clay showed higher thyme oil adsorption and better interactions than with orange oil. The Clay/EO composites encapsulated in Polyethylene/tie/Polyamide/tie/Polyethylene multilayer film showed a continuous aroma release for longer periods. It was found that the Polyamide (PA) barrier layer thickness had has an effect on the liberation of the volatile compounds through the multilayer film. On the other hand, the highest cymene aroma release at 72 h was 800 μg for the MMT clay/thyme oil encapsulated in the multilayer film with lower PA layer thickness. This multilayer film encapsulated clay/EO composites could be an option to prepare aroma-controlled release systems for pest control and food packaging applications as antimicrobial or fungicidal systems.

REMOVAL OF REACTIVE RED 198 FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING MODIFIED CLAY: OPTIMIZATION, KINETIC AND ISOTHERM

Dyes are large group of environmental pollutions with complex molecular structure and resistant to biodegradation. The entrance of these compounds into the water sources causes health problems in humans and many aquatic organisms. Therefore, colored effluents have to be adequately treated before discharging into the environment. This study aimed to evaluated efficiency of adsorption process of modified clay by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in removal of Reactive Red 198 (RR 198) from aqueous solution. The modified clay was prepared and its characterization was accomplished by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of major operational parameters on the efficiency of adsorption process were investigated and optimized. Kinetic and isotherm of adsorption were determined. The results revealed that increasing pH, initial concentration, ionic strength and temperature decrease rate of dye removal and increasing adsorbent dosage increases the dye removal efficiency. The maximum removal efficiency (99.61%) of RR 198 with modified clay was at pH; 3, time; 60 min, adsorbent dosage; 0.1 g/L and initial concentration; 20 mg/L. The experimental data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model and exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 25.84 mg/g, which followed the pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption process shows an intra-particle diffusion mechanism. According to the results, modified montmorillonite clay can be considered as an effective and promising adsorbent for the removal of RR 198 from aqueous solutions.

Performance of OMMT/SBS on the rheological properties of asphalt binder

Nanoclays have been successfully introduced into the asphalt binder, either separately or into the polymer modified asphalt binder resulting in the improved mechanical and rheological properties of the asphalt binder. The present research study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) in pure asphalt binder and also in styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) modified asphalt binder. The quantity of OMMT and SBS was varied from 2–6 percent by the weight of the base asphalt binder. The addition of OMMT in an appropriate amount can dramatically enhance the compatibility between SBS and base asphalt. It was observed from the results that modified binders exhibited higher Superpave rutting parameter (G*/sinδ) indicating an improvement in the stiffness of the binder. It was also observed that modified binders (OMMT/SBS) does not exhibit phase separation under high temperatures. Thus high temperature stoage stability could be improved by choosing a proper amount of OMMT and forming an exfoliated structure. Thus it can be concluded that OMMT added to the polymer modified binder (SBS) helps in obtaining better physical and rheological properties on a condition that clay scatters into the binder at the nanoscopic level.

Production of high quality biodiesel from novel non-edible Raphnus raphanistrum L. seed oil using copper modified montmorillonite clay catalyst

This study focused on producing high quality and yield of biodiesel from novel non-edible seed oil of abundantly available wild Raphnus raphanistrum L. using an efficient, recyclable and eco-friendly copper modified montmorillonite (MMT) clay catalyst. The maximum biodiesel yield of 83% was obtained by base catalyzed transesterification process under optimum operating conditions of methanol to oil ratio of 15:1, reaction temperature of 150 °C, reaction time of 5 h and catalyst loading of 3.5%. The synthesized catalyst and biodiesel were characterized for their structural features and chemical compositions using various state-of-the-art techniques, including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The fuel properties of the biodiesel were estimated including kinematic viscosity (4.36 cSt), density (0.8312 kg/L), flash point (72 °C), acid value (0.172 mgKOH/g) and sulphur content (0.0002 wt.%). These properties were compared and found in good agreement with the International Biodiesel Standards of American (ASTM-951, 6751), European Committee (EN-14214) and China GB/T 20828 (2007). The catalyst was re-used in five consecutive transesterification reactions without losing much catalytic efficiency. Overall, non-edible Raphnus raphanistrum L.. seed oil and Cu doped MMT clay catalyst appeared to be highly active, stable, and cheap contenders for future biofuel industry. However, detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of Raphnus raphanistrum L. seed oil biodiesel are highly recommended to assess the technical, ecological, social and economic challenges.

Chemical synthesis of nanocomposites via in-situ polymerization of aniline and iodoaniline using exchanged montmorillonite

The focus of this research is to synthesis different nanocomposites by in situ chemical polymerization. The nanocomposites were prepared by intercalating monomers such as aniline, iodoaniline or combination of aniline and 2-iodoaniline into modified montmorillonite clay. The syntheses were carried out using ammonium persulfate as oxidant with different molar ratios of oxidant to monomer. The resulting nanocomposites were investigated and confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, XRD, UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and transmission electron microscopy techniques. XRD patterns show that, the intensity of diffraction peaks for polymers/(M-Na) composites are lower than that for (M-Cu). This is attributed to the interaction of montmorillonite with polyaniline (PANI), polyiodoaniline (PIANI) and poly (ANI- co-2-IANI) molecular chains. The FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopic results also confirmed the presence of iodine in the nanocomposite. When looking at the yield of the process, highest yield is obtained for the poly (ANI- co-IANI) (80:20 molar ratio) and the lowest yield is for PANI/M-Na composite.

Efficient synthesis of mono- and bis-arylated ethylenedioxy thiophene-based functional π-conjugated molecules via clay-supported palladium-catalysed direct arylation reactions

An active Pd catalyst was prepared by the modification of montmorillonite clay. The catalyst was found to be effective for the synthesis of ethylenedioxy thiophene-based π-conjugated molecules. The reaction proceeded through clay-supported Pd-catalysed direct C–H bond activation (arylation) mechanism. Preparation, characterization and application of the catalysts are reported. The products were analysed with LCMS, and comparison with reported spectral data (FT-IR, 1H NMR). Reusability of clay-supported palladium catalyst towards direct arylation reaction was tested for three reaction cycles without a significant loss of catalytic activity.

Studies on Modified Montmorillonite Clay and Its PVA Nanohybrid for Water Purification

The removal of organic dyes from the aquatic system using modified Montmorillonite clay (MMT), one of the low cost adsorbent, was studied in this paper. Polyphosphoric acid (PPA) modified MMT (PMMT) with better surface area was used for adsorbing cationic dyes such as methylene blue(MB), rhodamine B (RB) and anionic dye Rose Bengal. The adsorption capacity of the PMMT clay for MB, RB and Rose Bengal dyes were 293.9 mg g−1, 244.77 mg g−1 and 296.13 mg g−1 respectively and all follows pseudo second order kinetics with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. For better practical application polyvinyl alchohol (PVA) thin film composite with PMMT as filler was prepared and the adsorption studies were conducted. PVA composite film with 0.5 w/v% PMMT filler was found to be a good adsorbent for the cationic dye than anionic dyes and adsorbs 99% of MB dye from 30 mgL−1 dye solution. The composite film showed pseudo second order kinetics and better fit with the Langmuir model and the mono layer adsorption on the clay surface can be explained by electrostatic interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate. The introduction of the PMMT clay in the PVA matrix increases the thermal stability of neat PVA. Tensile strength of the composite was showing a gradual increase with the amount of PMMT filler and at 0.4% addition of PMMT in PVA, the tensile strength was increased up to 39% when compared to PVA film.

Light weight HTPB-clay nanocomposites (HCN) with enhanced ablation performance as inhibition materials for composite propellant

In the present study, organically modified Montmorillonite clay with polar moiety, the Cloisite 30B, is used for preparation of Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-clay nanocomposites (HCN) by dispersion of nanoclay in polymer matrix under high shear mixing. The nanocomposites thus prepared are evaluated in composite propellants as inhibitor material for their functional utility. Several inhibition formulations containing 5 wt%-15 wt% of nanoclay, with or without the conventional filler Sb2O3, were prepared. All these formulations were evaluated for their physical, mechanical, thermal, and ablative properties. Ablation rate and density of the compositions containing Cloisite 30B is around 23% and 5% lower respectively in comparison of the base composition. Strain capability of these compositions is twofold higher than that of base composition. These compositions have also been evaluated for their smoke generation tendency by measuring infra red (IR) attenuation in the wavelength range 1.3 μm–5.6 μm and 8 μm–13 μm and thereby compared with the base composition. The corresponding results confirmed that the compositions containing Cloisite 30B as filler have much lower IR attenuation than compositions with conventional filler, Sb2O3. Replacement of 5% Sb2O3 by nanoclay showed 8% reduction in IR attenuation rate which further reduced to 16% on replacement of 15% of Sb2O3. Interfacial bonding of HCN based inhibitors is also comparable or even better than conventional inhibitors. Precisely, the nanoclay composites with Cloisite 30B as filler exhibit all desirable properties of an inhibitor.

Nanocomposite Melt Spun PET fibers for Environmental Remediation

Polyethylene terphthalate /Montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were prepared after modification of Montmorillonite (MMT) clay using different concentration of Dimethyl di(hydrogenated tallow) ammonium chloride modifier. The characterization of the prepared nanocomposites includes Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).Fibers of pure polyethylene terphthalate (PET) and Polyethylene terphthalate/Montmorillonite clay nanocomposite (PET/MMT) were produced using melt spinning technique and the prepared fibers were characterized using thermal gravimetric in addition to SEM analysis. The results show that the nanocomposite fibers have higher thermal stability than pure polyethylene terphthalate fibers in addition to high degree in homogeneity between PET and MMT clay in PET/MMT nanocomposite. PET/MMT nanocomposite fiber with modified MMT 2% has been modified by grafting of MAA under variable conditions of monomer and initiator concentrations as well as grafting time and temperature. The grafted fiber has been used in water treatment by removing of cationic dye under different conditions as pH values, and dye adsorption time.

Adsorption performances and antimicrobial activity of the nanosilver modified montmorillonite clay

Adsorption performances and antimicrobial activity of the nanosilver modified montmorillonite clay

Studies on FT-IR Spectroscopy of modified Montmorillonite clays applied for the removal of T-2 toxin in maize

Montmorillonite clay has a wide range of industrial applications which include the removal of mycotoxins in foods and feed because of its low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. T-2 toxin is produced mostly by fungal species of Fusarium. Other T-2 producing fungal species are Myrothecium and Stachybotrys. T-2 toxin poses several health hazards such as dystrophy in the brain, heart, kidney and liver as well as ulceration and necrosis of the digestive tract in man and animals. To reduce T-2 toxin in maize, montmorillonite clay modified with lemongrass essential oil (MMT-LGEO) and montmorillonite clay washed with NaCl (Na-MMT) were applied to maize at a concentration of 8% and 12% and kept under storage for one month at 30°C. Untreated maize samples and unmodified montmorillonite clay (MMT) served as controls. The FTIR spectra were recorded for the two treatments and unmodified montmorillonite clay (MMT) used for the removal of T-2 toxin in maize. The FTIR spectra of the two treatments and unmodified clay (MMT) showed the major functional groups as Si-O and -OH. All the treatments reduced the level of T-2 toxin in maize. However, sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and montmorillonite clay modified with lemongrass essential oil (MMT-LGEO) were more efficient than unmodified montmorillonite clay (MMT) in the removal of T-2 toxin in maize.