Effect of ball milling on the structure of Na+-montmorillonite and organo-montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B)

The effect of high energy ball milling under different conditions on the structure of Na+-montmorillonite (Na-MMT), and the organo-montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B) was investigated. Ball milling increased the structural disorder: peeling off of layers from the particles was observed, followed by the exfoliation of the particles, indicated by the disappearance of the (001) reflection. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectra revealed that the exfoliated layers did not show deteriorated structures. The presence of the alkylammonium ions seemed to stabilize the structure by reducing exfoliation.