Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-pftt2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-03T02:18:57.529Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Purification of Iranian bentonite for organoclay synthesis for use in clay–polymer composites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2024

Faraz Shabani Moghaddam ,
Hajar Ghanbari Open the ORCID record for Hajar Ghanbari [Opens in a new window] ,
Seyed Mohammad Mirkazemi  and
Fatemeh Ahmadi Open the ORCID record for Fatemeh Ahmadi [Opens in a new window]
Faraz Shabani Moghaddam
Affiliation:
School of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
Hajar Ghanbari*
Affiliation:
School of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Mohammad Mirkazemi
Affiliation:
School of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Ahmadi
Affiliation:
School of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding author: Hajar Ghanbari; Email: hajar_ghanbari@iust.ac.ir
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Polymer-based composites modified with organoclay are economically beneficial candidates for a variety of applications. Different types of impurities accompany montmorillonite phases in various bentonites, which impact the quality and cost of organoclays and final composites. To obtain organoclays for clay composite applications, eight Iranian raw bentonites from different geographical locations were selected as the candidates and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Sample IB was chosen due to its high purity and lower cristobalite content than the other samples. It was purified by centrifugation or sedimentation methods using a sodium hexametaphosphate (NaHMP) dispersant. The cation-exchange capacity (CEC) was measured for bentonite before and after purification by sedimentation, and it showed a significant increase from 6.944 to 12.128 eq g–1, confirming successful purification. Organoclays were prepared using purified bentonite (sedimentation method) with two surfactants (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and octadecylamine), and the amount of octadecylamine was optimized. Purified bentonite and organoclay were characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence. The results indicate that most of the impurities were removed after purification, and the interlayer space of organoclays increased to 35 Å in the optimized sample prepared with an amount of octadecylamine that was twice the CEC in purified bentonite. The prepared organoclay was used to improve low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer properties. The clay–polymer composite properties were studied by field emission SEM, thermogravimetric analysis and tensile strength tests. The organoclay was fully dispersed in the LDPE matrix and in the sample with 5 wt.% of organoclay, where Ti (the temperature at which 10% of the sample is decomposed) and T50% (the midpoint of degradation) were 17°C and 13°C greater than those of polyethylene, respectively. Additionally, the sample residue with 5 wt.% of organoclay at 600°C was 43.4%. The tensile strength of polyethylene increased from 8.67 to 9.03 MPa in the sample with 4 wt.% of organoclay.

Keywords

Bentoniteclay–polymer compositemontmorilloniteorganoclaypurification
Type
Article
Information
Clay Minerals , First View , pp. 1 - 13
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Mineralogical Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Adams, J.M. & McCabe, R.W. (2006) Clay minerals as catalysts. Developments in Clay Science, 1, 541–581.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ahmadi, F., Ghanbari, H., Moghaddam, F.S. & Naghizadeh, R. (2022) Optimized purification procedure for Iranian calcium bentonite for producing montmorillonite nanosheets. Clay Minerals, 57, 120–130.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Amin, M.F.M., Heijman, S.G.J. & Rietveld, L.C. (2014) Nanoclay for micropollutant removal in wastewater – effective alternative? Advanced Materials Research, 1024, 11–14.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Awad, S.A. (2021) Mechanical and thermal characterisations of low-density polyethylene/nanoclay composites. Polymers and Polymer Composites, 29, 1325–1332.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bahranowski, K., Gaweł, A., Klimek, A., Michalik-Zym, A., Napruszewska, B.D., Nattich-Rak, M. et al. (2017) Influence of purification method of Na-montmorillonite on textural properties of clay mineral composites with TiO2 nanoparticles. Applied Clay Science, 140, 75–80.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bergaya, F., Lagaly, G. & Lagaly, G. (2006a) Handbook of Clay Science. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1125 pp.Google Scholar
Bergaya, F., Theng, B.K.G. & Lagaly, G. (2006b) Modified clays and clay minerals. Developments in Clay Science, 1, 261.Google Scholar
Boylu, F., Çinku, K., Esenli, F. & Çelik, M.S. (2010) The separation efficiency of Na-bentonite by hydrocyclone and characterization of hydrocyclone products. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 94, 196–202.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chan, M., Lau, K., Wong, T., Ho, M. & Hui, D. (2011) Mechanism of reinforcement in a nanoclay/polymer composite. Composites Part B: Engineering, 42, 1708–1712.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chipera, S.J. & Bish, D.L. (2001) Baseline studies of the clay minerals society source clays: powder X-ray diffraction analyses. Clays and Clay Minerals, 49, 398–409.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Choi, Y.S., Xu, M. & Chung, I.J. (2005) Synthesis of exfoliated acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) clay nanocomposites: role of clay as a colloidal stabilizer. Polymer, 46, 531–538.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Eckel, D.F., Balogh, M.P., Fasulo, P.D. & Rodgers, W.R. (2004) Assessing organo-clay dispersion in polymer nanocomposites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 93, 1110–1117.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Epp, J. (2016) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Techniques for Materials Characterization. Pp. 81–124 in Materials Characterization Using Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods (Hübschen, G., Altpeter, I., Tschuncky, R. & Herrmann, H.-G., editors). Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Forbes, E. & Chryss, A. (2017) Surface and colloid science, and rheology. Pp. 81–110 in: Clays in the Mineral Processing Value Chain (Gräfe, M., Klaubter, C., McFarlane, A.J. & Robinson, D.J., editors). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Galán, E. (2006) Genesis of clay minerals. Developments in Clay Science, 1, 1129–1162.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Golubeva, O.Yu., Ul'yanova, N.Yu., Kostyreva, T.G., Drozdova, I.A. & Mokeev, M. V. (2013) Synthetic nanoclays with the structure of montmorillonite: preparation, structure, and physico-chemical properties. Glass Physics and Chemistry, 39, 533–539.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gong, Z., Liao, L., Lv, G. & Wang, X. (2016) A simple method for physical purification of bentonite. Applied Clay Science, 119, 294–300.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Guo, F., Aryana, S., Han, Y. & Jiao, Y. (2018) A review of the synthesis and applications of polymer–nanoclay composites. Applied Science, 8, 1696.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hadi, A.J., Abdulkadir, H.K., Hadi, G.J., Bin Yusoh, K. & Hasany, S.F. (2018) Mechanical and thermal properties of the waste low and high density polyethylene–nanoclay composites. Oriental Journal of Chemistry, 34, 1069–1077.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
He, H., Ma, L., Zhu, J., Frost, R.L., Theng, B.K.G. & Bergaya, F. (2014) Synthesis of organoclays: a critical review and some unresolved issues. Applied Clay Science, 100, 22–28.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jang, B.N., Wang, D. & Wilkie, C.A. (2005) Relationship between the solubility parameter of polymers and the clay dispersion in polymer/clay nanocomposites and the role of the surfactant. Macromolecules, 38, 6533–6543.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jordan, J.L., Casem, D.T., Bradley, J.M., Dwivedi, A.K., Brown, E.N. & Jordan, C.W. (2016) Mechanical properties of low density polyethylene. Journal of Dynamic Behavior of Materials, 2, 411–420.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kooli, F., Liu, Y., Alshahateet, S.F., Messali, M. & Bergaya, F. (2009) Reaction of acid activated montmorillonites with hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide solution. Applied Clay Science, 43, 357–363.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lagaly, G., Ogawa, M. & Dékány, I. (2006) Clay mineral organic interactions. Developments in Clay Science, 1, 309–377.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lapides, I. & Yariv, S. (2004) The effect of ultrasound treatment on the particle-size of Wyoming bentonite in aqueous suspensions. Journal of Materials Science, 39, 5209–5212.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Levy, G.J., Srianberg, I., Alperovitch, N. & van der Merwe, A.J. (1991) Effect of Na-hexametaphosphate on the hydraulic conductivity of kaolinite–sand mixtures. Clays and Clay Minerals, 39, 131–136.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mattausch, H. (2015) Properties and applications of nanoclay composites. Pp. 127–155 in: Polymer Nanoclay Composites (Laske, S., editor). Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Modabberi, S., Namayandeh, A., López-Galindo, A., Viseras, C., Setti, M. & Ranjbaran, M. (2015) Characterization of Iranian bentonites to be used as pharmaceutical materials. Applied Clay Science, 116–117, 193–201.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Modabberi, S., Namayandeh, A., Setti, M. & López-Galindo, A. (2019) Genesis of the eastern Iranian bentonite deposits. Applied Clay Science, 168, 56–67.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Motawie, A.M., Madany, M.M., El-Dakrory, A.Z., Osman, H.M., Ismail, E.A., Badr, M.M. et al. (2014) Physico-chemical characteristics of nano-organo bentonite prepared using different organo-modifiers. Egyptian Journal of Petroleum, 23, 331–338.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Olewnik, E., Garman, K. & Czerwiński, W. (2010) Thermal properties of new composites based on nanoclay, polyethylene and polypropylene. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 101, 323–329.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Oueslati, W., Karmous, M.S., Ben Rhaiem, H., Lanson, B. & Ben Haj Amara, A. (2007) Effect of interlayer cation and relative humidity on the hydration properties of a dioctahedral smectite. Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie, Supplement, 2, 417–422.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Özgen, S., Yildiz, A., Çalişkan, A. & Sabah, E. (2009) Modeling and optimization of hydrocyclone processing of low grade bentonites. Applied Clay Science, 46, 305–313.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pacuła, A., Bielańska, E., Gaweł, A., Bahranowski, K. & Serwicka, E.M. (2006) Textural effects in powdered montmorillonite induced by freeze-drying and ultrasound pretreatment. Applied Clay Science, 32, 64–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patel, H.A., Somani, R.S., Bajaj, H.C. & Jasra, R.V. (2006) Nanoclays for polymer nanocomposites, paints, inks, greases and cosmetics formulations, drug delivery vehicle and waste water treatment. Bulletin of Materials Science, 29, 133–145.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pavlidou, S. & Papaspyrides, C.D. (2008) A review on polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites. Progress in Polymer Science (Oxford), 33, 1119–1198.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pereira, I.D.S., Silva, V.C., Duarte Neto, J.F., Neves, G.A., Ferreira, H.C. & Menezes, R.R. (2018) Influence of the purification of bentonite clay from new deposits in the state of Paraíba – Brazil for use in water-based drilling fluids. Ceramica, 64, 538–546.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rafiei, B. & Ghomi, F.A. (2013) Preparation and characterization of the Cloisite Na+ modified with cationic surfactants. Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 21, 25–32.Google Scholar
Rihayat, T., Salim, S., Arlina, A., Fona, Z., Jalal, R., Alam, P.N. et al. (2018) Determination of CEC value (cation exchange capacity) of bentonites from North Aceh and Bener Meriah, Aceh Province, Indonesia using three methods. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 334, 012054.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ross, C.S. & Hendricks, S.B. (1943) Minerals of the Montmorillonite Group: Their Origin and Relation to Soils and Clays. Geological Survey Professional Paper 205-B. United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC, USA, 79 pp.Google Scholar
Sohrabi-Kashani, L., Yekta, B.E., Rezaie, H.R. & Zolriasatein, A. (2022) Synergistic effect of micro- and nano-TiO2 on hydrophobic, mechanical, and electrical properties of hybrid polyurethane composites. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 33, 14488–14507.Google Scholar
Sohrabi-Kashani, L., Zolriasatein, A. & Eftekhari Yekta, B. (2023) Effect of silica nanoparticles modified with different concentrations of stearic acid on microstructure, mechanical & electrical properties of RTV-2 silicone rubber nanocomposite. Asian Journal of Nanosciences and Materials, 1, 16–32.Google Scholar
Thuc, C.N.H., Grillet, A.C., Reinert, L., Ohashi, F., Thuc, H.H. & Duclaux, L. (2010) Separation and purification of montmorillonite and polyethylene oxide modified montmorillonite from Vietnamese bentonites. Applied Clay Science, 49, 229–238.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Uddin, F. (2008) Clays, nanoclays, and montmorillonite minerals. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science, 39, 2804–2814.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Xi, Y., Frost, R.L. & He, H. (2007) Modification of the surfaces of Wyoming montmorillonite by the cationic surfactants alkyl trimethyl, dialkyl dimethyl, and trialkyl methyl ammonium bromides. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 305, 150–158.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Xiong, J., Liu, Y., Yang, X. & Wang, X. (2004) Thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane/montmorillonite nanocomposites based on a novel reactive modifier. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 86, 549–555.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yadav, V.B., Gadi, R. & Kalra, S. (2019) Clay based nanocomposites for removal of heavy metals from water: a review. Journal of Environmental Management, 232, 803–817.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Zhang, B.B., Miao, M.Y., Bai, J., Yuan, G.J., Jia, Y.Y., Han, Z.X. et al. (2014) Researches on purification and sodium-modification of Ca-bentonite by tri-roller grinder. Advanced Materials Research, 962–965, 809–813.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhou, C.H. & Keeling, J. (2013) Fundamental and applied research on clay minerals: from climate and environment to nanotechnology. Applied Clay Science, 74, 3–9.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zhu, T.T., Zhou, C.H., Kabwe, F.B., Wu, Q.Q., Li, C.S. & Zhang, J.R. (2019) Exfoliation of montmorillonite and related properties of clay/polymer nanocomposites. Applied Clay Science, 169, 48–66.CrossRefGoogle Scholar