Reactions of Expanding-Lattice Clay Minerals with Glycerol and Ethylene Glycol

Abstract

Under certain circumstances, both glycerol and ethylene glycol form interlayer complexes with vermiculites resembling those formed with the smectites. The rate and degree of complex formation are related to the surface charge on the silicate layers, to the type of interlayer cation present and to crystal size. With glycerol, but not with ethylene glycol, the hydration state of the mineral immediately prior to complex lbrmation is of some importance.