INTERCALATION OF KAOLINITE UNDER HYDROTHERMAL CONDITIONS

Intercalation of kaolinite with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) was carried out under hydrothermal conditions using a Parr bomb. The intercalated complex has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier tra nsform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis te chniques. It was found that the intercalation reaction is completed in 20 min and a high yield, similar to 90%, of kaolinite/DMSO intercalat e was obtained. An expansion of the original c-axis spacing of 0.714 n m in kaolinite to 1.124 nm, as a result of incorporation of DMSO molec ules into the kaolinite interlayers, has been observed by XRD studies. FT-IR analyses of the intercalated complex have established the natur e of interactions between the host structures and the incoming DMSO mo lecules. The hydrothermal method of intercalation developed in this st udy can also be used for other systems.