Synthesis of Super Hydrophobic Clay by Solution Intercalation Method from Aqueous Dispersions

The super hydrophobic materials have inspired a great deal of interest and research in recent years because of their unique water-repellent, self-cleaning properties, and their potential for practical applications. This study aims to create a super hydrophobic clay surface from aqueous dispersions of a long-chain hydrocarbon, Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), and layered silicate via the solution intercalation method. First, to increase diffusing tendency of CTA(+)ions from aqueous medium to the interlayer region of clay, long-chain hydrocarbon agent was dispersed in aqueous surfactant solution via hydrophobic interactions between the tails of CTA(+) ions and hydrocarbon chains. Then, the adsorption of the long tailed ions of CTAB on the surface of the clay layers was carried out. Effects of variables, such as temperature, initial surfactant concentration and hydrocarbon dosage onto the adsorbed amount of CTA(+) ions were investigated by considering the zeta potentials and contact angle values of organo-clay particles. The results show that by intercalation of the long tailed CTA(+) ions to the interlayer galleries of clay, high hydrophilic clay can be possible to convert to super hydrophobic clay. Also, the static contact angle values of organo-clay particles progressively increase with the increasing amount of hydrocarbon. The static contact angle value of powder organo-clay is about 150, indicating its super hydrophobic character. XRD pattern and HRTEM images for the organo-clay confirm the intercalated structures.