Extraction of Montmorillonite nano particles from clay deposits in Nachchaduwa area

Abstract

Clay deposits in Nachchaduwa, located in the Anuradhapura district, have been used for generations in brick, tile, and traditional cookware manufacturing industries. In modern industries, Montmorillonite clay has applications mainly in the field of polymer-clay nanocomposites. The Composites synthesised by infusing Montmorillonite nanoparticles into the polymer are known to show superior mechanical properties, which are difficult to achieve otherwise. Currently, Montmorillonite needed for the local industries are being imported. If Montmorillonite can be extracted from these deposits as nanoparticles they can be used in the manufacturing industry. This research was mainly focused on the extraction of these Montmorillonite nanoparticles from the clay deposits located in the Nachchaduwa area, which can be used in the fabrication of polymer-clay nanocomposite. The extraction technique was based on sedimentation and centrifuging techniques. The initial stage of the extraction process consisted of removing impurities. After this purification, the clay fraction of the samples was isolated and was subjected to several centrifuging steps to isolate the Montmorillonite. Characterization of the resultants after major steps in the process was carried using X-Ray diffraction and laser particle size analysis. The results of these analyses revealed that these clay specimens in this region were mainly consisting of Kaolinite and Montmorillonite, which conforms with previous research findings, and the main impurity being quartz. The impurities were removed to a great deal by initial sieving and then the clay fraction was isolated by the initial sedimentation. The final resultant which was subjected to centrifuging contained the Montmorillonite and the particle size analysis confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in this extract.