The transport properties of ionic (Fe(CN)(6)(3-) and Ru(NH3)(6)(3+)) a
nd nonionic (p-benzoquinone and nitrobenzene) probes within hydrophobi
zed montmorillonite Ams have been investigated by cyclic voltammetric
methods. The rate of hydrophobization was one third less than CEC (cat
ion exchange capacity). Flms permeability was altered by changing the
concentration of the supporting NaCl electrolyte and also by creating
different rates of hydrophobization. Structural changes can be interpr
eted by non-DLVO ''hydration forces'' theories. Diffusional transport
exhibited similar properties in the cases of Fc(CN)(6)(3-) and p-benzo
quinone probes, which both have no interactions with the hydrophilic c
lay film. Permeation rates were changed in the cases of Ru(NH3)(6)(3+)
and nitrobenzene probes. Causes were different, however: electrostati
c interactions played their part with Ru(NH3)(6)(3+) ions, while adsor
ption and partition made the difference in the case of nitrobenzene.