A calcium bentonite from Kutahya region (Turkey) was activated with Na2CO3
at various ratios (1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10, 15g/100 g bentonite). Due to ion excha
nge, the original Ca-bentonite was converted to Na-bentonite by Na2CO3 when
the Na2CO3/bentonite ratio was 2.5% (2.5 g Na2CO3/100 22g bentonite, A2.5)
. Na-bentonite (A2.5) obtained by soda activation was treated with 3 g CaCl
2/100 g bentonite and converted to Ca-bentonite again. The products were in
vestigated by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and micropore analysis.
It was observed that the cation exchange capacity (CEC) did not change unti
l the soda ratio was 2.5 %. After this value the CEC decreased rapidly. The
main montmorillonite hkl diffraction reflections were changed by Na2CO3 an
d CaCl2 treatments. This showed that ion exchange was realized. It was obse
rved that the specific surface area decreased from 49.34 m(2)g(-1) to 29.92
m(2)g(-1) by Na2CO3 and increased from 29.92 m(2)g(-1) to 70.31 m(2)g(-1)
by CaCl2. In addition, it was determined that Na2CO3 activated Kutahya Ca-b
entonite can be used as drilling mud.