The intercalation of organic polymers molecules
(i.e., PEGs and BRIJ) into a standard Ca-montmorillonite has
been studied by XRD, TG, and IR spectroscopy. The polymer
intercalation is confirmed by the increasing of the d001 in XRD
spectra as well as by the complex multisteps thermal decomposition
behavior of the organo-clay materials. Mid-IR and
diffuse reflectance near-IR spectra of the intercalated materials
show the polymer diagnostic bands (CH stretching and deformation
mode), shifted or changed in shape by the interaction
with the clay matrix. Both PEG 1500 and PEG 4000 based
materials are likely intercalated in an extended configuration,
similar to the amorphous polymer form. BRIJ intercalated
polymer spectra suggest the disordered conformation of the alkilic chain in a prevailing “gauche”, poorly packed, conformation.
Host montmorillonite IR bands, mainlyOHand water stretching and deformation fundamentals, combination, and overtone bands,
are reduced in intensity by polymer intercalation, pointing out an interaction, likely through H-bonding and/or a possible
substitution of cations hydration water molecules.
ISI P. 7484-749