The influence of technological conditions and molecular weight of PEG on basal spacing of Vietnamese bentonite

Abstract

AbstractThe unique expansion properties of the interlayer space of montmorillonites allow for surface modification of bentonite. PEG is a nonionic polymer that can adsorb and intercalate into the interlayers of bentonite. The results of FTIR and TGA spectra allow confirming that PEG has not only covered bentonite but also inserted into the interlayers of bentonite. Therefore, the modified product can be applied not only as a dispersant in polymer composites, but also as an adsorbent. Moreover, a variety of technological factors affecting modification have been studied and the most suitable conditions have been proposed. In which, temperature, stirring speed, time and suspension concentration were selected at 25°C, 800 rpm, 8 h and 2 wt.%, respectively. The influence of the component ratio (Ben/PEG) on the modification process was also studied. The most suitable Ben/PEG ratio for each PEG type was also given. The results show that the interlayer spacing in modified bentonite depends not only on the technological conditions, the composition ratio but also on the molecular weight of PEG. Thus, the choice of PEG for bentonite modification will determine the d001 basal spacing of modified product.