APPLICATION OF METHYL CINNAMATE MONTMORILLONITE AS ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION SHELTERS

The interaction of methyl cinnamate/montmorillonite samples prepared b y melting the former onto the second or by joint grinding, has been st udied by x-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, thermogravi metric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Formation of an interlayer compound has been observed, leading to an increase o f 4.15 or 3.42 Angstrom (samples obtained by melting or grinding, resp ectively) in the basal spacing of the clay. Formation of such a comple x leads to a displacement of molecular water from the interlayer space , as concluded from the thermal studies. No chemical change is observe d in the methyl cinnamate molecule, as confirmed by infrared spectrosc opy. The systems prepared improve the shelter properties of the clay a nd the drug separately, mainly in the C zone of the ultraviolet spectr um (290-190 nm).