DEHYDRATION AND DEHYDROXYLATION OF REDUCED CHARGE MONTMORILLONITE

Reduced charge montmorillonites (RCM) were prepared by the thermal tre atment of lithium-saturated montmorillonite. Samples prepared by mild thermal treatment with lithium contained more water sorbed than the or iginal montmorrilonite. When RCMs were prepared, part of the lithium c ations reacted with hydroxyl groups in the octahedral sheet and releas ed protons, which reacted with the structure. Acid treatment probably enhanced the surface area. which was reflected in the amount of water sorbed. Deprotonation of hydroxyl groups was proved by the measurement s of the ignition loss. The heating of lithium saturated montmorilloni te at higher temperatures brought about the collapse of the interlayer s and a decrease in the amount of water sorbed.