Interaction of polymethacrylate-g-PEO comb copolymers with natural bentonite in aqueous systems

Natural bentonite was successfully modified using polymethacrylate-g-polyethylene oxide (PEO) comb copolymer. Changes in the surfaces and microstructure of the resultant organo-bentonite were characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, respectively. FTIR results indicated the presence of the copolymer on the surface of organo-bentonite. XRD measurements showed that the copolymer molecules were intercalated into the bentonite layers. TG analysis and electron microscopy micrographs demonstrated the interlayers of bentonite were intercalated by the copolymers with surface adsorption to a certain extent.