Effect of propanol and butanol and subsequent microwave irradiation on the structure of commercial vermiculites

As a continuation of our previous study, in this work, we investigated the effects of propanol and butanol treatments and subsequent irradiation with microwave on commercial vermiculites. No expansibility was observed after propanol or butanol treatments (k = 1.0). Samples treated with propanol or butanol and subsequently irradiated with microwaves expanded in a similar manner as they did with methanol and ethanol. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG and DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy indicated structural changes as: 1) The appearance of extra interstratified phases during the transformation from 2- to 1-WLHS (Water Layer Hydration States). 2) The improvement of the crystallinity and order of the most phases, which are the same phases of the untreated vermiculites or even some more, due to migration of potassium.