Characterization of kaolin intercalates of oleochemicals derived from rubber seed (Hevea brasiliensis) and tea seed (Camelia sinensis) oils

Kaolin intercalates were prepared by employing derivatives of oleochemicals namely rubber seed oil (SRSO) and tea seed oil (STSO) and characterized by employing powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption (NAD) techniques. Intercalation was achieved in the presence of hydrazine hydrate as co-intercalate. The PXRD patterns showed an increase in the interlayer basal spacing d-001 for the SRSO treated and STSO treated kaolins confirming intercalation process. The FTIR studies indicated that the fatty acid salts of rubber seed oil and tea seed oil were effectively intercalated in the kaolinite layers as per the bands at 1564 cm−1 and 1553 cm−1 for SRSO treated and STSO treated kaolinites, respectively. The SEM revealed intercalation of organic materials in the kaolinite layers. The NAD results showed that intercalation of kaolin resulted in an overall decrease in the specific surface area as well as pore volume. Specific surface area decreased in the following order: untreated (pristine) kaolin > STSO treated kaolin > SRSO treated kaolin and pore size in the order: untreated (pristine) kaolin > SRSO treated kaolin > STSO treated kaolin.