| Cloisite® is a natural montmorillonite silicate that is used for numerous applications in a variety of different fields. The applications include their use in electrodless plating, polymer-clay nanocomposites, radionuclide transport, and extremely important in the strength and load bearing properties of rocks and soils. Thus, the dispersion stability and particle size of natural montmorillonite is a crucial property that needs to be understood. This work will address the dispersion stability of the naturally occurring montmorillonite along with the particle size distribution within a suspension as determined utilizing a LUMiSizer® (an analytical centrifuge by L.U.M. GmbH, Berlin, Germany) and its Space and Time Extinction Profile technology (STEP®). Complete characterization of the silicates with these tools will allow for a better understanding of the basic properties of these suspensions and suggest means to improve their stability, durability and cost. This evaluation of the separation performance of dispersions accounts for a vital role in optimization processes and their products which may lead to techniques and results that may be employed to monitor these materials for optimal performance. |
