Adsorption of Water by Montmorillonite—Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Adsorption Products

Abstract

AbstractWater adsorption by interlamellar complexes of poly(ethylene glycols) and montmorillonite has been determined using a silica spiral spring, and supplementary data obtained by X-ray and infrared techniques. The adsorbed water enters the interlamellar region, where it is associated with the exchangeable cation. The lattice swells to accommodate the intercalated water. Only weak hydrogen bonds are formed between the surface of the clay and the adsorbed water or between adsorbed PEG molecules and adsorbed water. The presence of PEG did not prevent extensive swelling of sodium montmorillonite.