The characterization of Na2CO3 activated Kutahya bentonite

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.