Synthesis and Characterization of Organoclay from Sodium Montmorillonite and Fatty Hydroxamic Acids

Problem statement: Sodium Montmorillonite (Na-MMT) has been modified via cation exchange reaction using Fatty Hydroxamic Acids (FHAs) synthesized from palm oil as a surfactant to produce organoclay which is used to prepare polymer nanocomposites. Approach: Basal spacing, functional groups identification and thermal stability of this Organo-Montmorillonite (OMMT) were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) respectively. Elemental analysis was also used to know the composition of OMMT. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) was also investigated in this study. Results: The (XRD) results showed that the basal spacing of the treated clay with FHA increased to 31Å. The highest d-spacing was observed at 1.8 CEC. FTIR spectra illustrate that FHA compound was successfully intercalated into the clay layers. Tthermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal decomposition of organoclay occurs in four steps. Conclusion: The new organic cation (FHA) was used to modify montmorollonite clay in an attempt to create susceptible clay to polymers. In future, we may predict any derivative of fatty nitrogen compounds can be used as a surfactant for clay modification.