Intercalation of Nontronite Clays from Santa Elena, Ecuador, Using Different Surfactant Hydrophobicity

The research of organoclays has been occurring for many years to develop and add value these inorganic materials several industrial applications, such as pollutant absorbers or impermeable plastics. organoclay applications are intrinsically related organo-modification the structure clays. This study shows preparation characterization produced by a nontronite type clay (calcic bentonite) from Tosagua Formation in peninsula Santa Elena Ecuador. These clays were purified centrifuged before organo-treatment. purification separation processes used remove organic matter carbonates, cationic interchange calcic sodic (Ca2+ Na+) was carried out. Organo-modification performed using two types compounds, i.e., Oleylmethylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium chloride Di (hydrogenated tallow alkyl) quaternary amine with different surface hydrophobicity. samples characterized X-ray diffractometry (XRD), infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetry (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyze effect after mentioned treatment resulting addition surfactants. results confirm significant intercalation suitable environmental remediation, compatibilizing recycled plastics, improving performance hydrophobicity systems applications.