Characterization of locally available montmorillonite clay minerals to be used as nano particles

The research work describes the extraction of nano particles of Montmorillonite clay from local clay deposits located in the dry zone of the country, and its characterization techniques using X-Ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope, and particle size analysis. Montmorillonite gained an increased attention during the past decade due to the superior properties imparted in polymer-clay nano composite synthesized with nano particles of Montmorillonite. These composites synthesized in this way have superior mechanical and thermal properties compared to their bulk counterparts. At present the local demand for Montmorillonite is fulfilled by imported Montmorillonite which is a purified form of bentonite. It has been found by previous research activities, that in Sri Lankan clay deposits located in the dry region, Montmorillonite is available mixed with other minerals. The main ingredients of these deposits are Montmorillonite and kaolinite. Physically Montmorillonite and Kaolinite are so similar that they are very difficult to be separated from a mixture. However these two minerals have a difference in their specific gravities which can be used to separate the two minerals. This research describes how this separation could be carried out in detail finally leading to the extraction of Montmorillonite from local clay deposits. The clay used in the experiment underwent several purifying processes followed by characterization processes. The characterization of the final extracted clay reveals that it consists of Montmorillonite and the particle size of these falls below 100 nm. This indicates that these extracted Montmorillonite nano particles can be used to synthesize polymer-clay nano composite

Characterization of clay deposits in Nachchaduwa area for ceramic fabrication

In this research clay deposits located in the Nachchaduwa area were investigated to identify suitable ceramic fabrication techniques and products. Deposits located in this area are known to be rich in Kaolinite and Montmorillonite (MMT) and other type of phyrophyllite clays. These are known as "Red Clav" and mined to fabricate traditional ceramic ware by traditional techniques. The specimens were collected fr~m tanks located in this area and subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTlR). X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). after purifying them and removing organic compounds. Combination of these techniques with the chemical analysis on selected specimens was employed to accurate identification of the clay specimens. The results were then compared with each other and published literature for the identification. Results showed the presence of MMT, kaolinite. quartz and other type of clay minerals in small quantities; furthermore specimens subjected to chemical analysis revealed that they contain more than 50% quartz by weight. The purified clay specimens were subjected to a Deflocculant Demand Test. which determines the optimum amount of deflocculant needed to prepare a casting slip. but the test showed that these claysare not suitable to prepare a casting slip in fabricating ceramic ware

Characterization of locally available Montmorillonite clay using FTIR technique

Montmorillonite (MMT) is a layered silicate clay which belongs to the smectite clay group with a wide range of applications in medicine, polymer industry, ceramic industry and nano materials. This research is focused on the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique to identify and characterize Montmorillonite clay deposits available in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Apart from identification, FTIR can be used to discover the family of minerals to which the specimen belongs, the nature of isomorphic substituent and the distinction of molecular water from constitutional hydroxyl. Clay samples obtained from several locations within the dry zone of Sri Lanka were purified, treated and subjected to FTIR, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). To further strengthen the findings, specimens of commercially available MMT and Bentonite were subjected to the same tests. Peaks of the resultant spectrum were analyzed and compared with published literature. Results revealed that the specimens subjected to the tests contained MMT with kaolinite. In-depth study of absorbance level of each specimen was useful in identifying the exchangeable cations present in MMT. Further study of the spectrum could pave the way for quantitative analysis of these clay minerals

Extraction of montmorillonite nano particles from naturally occurring clay mixtures

Montmorillonite (MMT) nano clay has attracted lot of attention due to its ability toimpart superior mechanical, thermal and gas-barrier properties to polymer-clay nano composites. Therefore, this clay has a huge demand in the nano-technology related industry mainly in the area of nanocomposites. However at present, all the extraction methods of Montmorillonite mainly concentrate on bentonite. This research is focused on extracting nano sized Montmorillonite clay particles from local clay deposits that can be used in the fabrication of nano composites. Clay samples used in this research work were obtained from the dry zone of the country. These clay specimens were then purified in several steps and subjected to clay isolation process and finally an extraction process was carried out. The purified and extracted clay were analysed using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis techniques. The results from these analysis showed that the extracted clay contained high concentration of Montmorillonite clay. With further purification the extracted clay can be used in the fabrication of polymer-clay nano composites which would have a beneficial output as it would contribute for the value addition for the local clay deposits

Extraction and characterisation of montmorillonite Nano Clay from Sri Lankan Clay Deposits

Clay has been a predominant industrial raw material from ancient periods in Sri Lanka. Abundant availability and quality of available clay has been few of the many reasons why clay products have been very popular in the country. Not much has been changed in the technology used in the fabrication of clay products mined from various sources, since ancient time. But with the development of the technology more research has been focused on using the existing minerals of the country for advanced applications. In many recent developments in polymer-clay nano composites, it has been discovered that usage of Montmorillonite clay in a polymer composite can greatly enhance many of its properties. Hence more focus has been given on the isolating of Montmorillonite nano particles which are suited for these composites applications. This research has been focused on extracting Montmorillonite nano particles from already existing clay deposits of the country, which in turn can be used in the synthetization of polymer-clay nano composite. Preliminary analyses were conducted on selected clay deposits to confirm the presence of Montmorillonite and then they were subjected to various processed to increase the clay constituents while removing the impurity contents. Afterward selected specimens were subjected to the Montmorillonite extraction which involved mainly the isolation of this clay mineral from other types. Resultants were then analyzed by using various techniques to confirm the presence of required properties