Effect of cationic surfactant adsorption on the rheological and surface properties of bentonite dispersions

In this study, the adsorption, bridging, and intercalation effects of a cationic surfactant, benzyldimethyltetradecyl ammonium chloride (BDTDACl), on bentonite clay suspensions was investigated. The adsorption, rheological behaviors, and colloidal properties of the clay dispersions were determined as a function surfactant concentration. Adsorption isotherms were obtained using the batch-equilibrium technique. The rheological behavior of the clay suspensions was obtained by shear stress-shear rate measurements within 0–350 s−1 shear rates. The structure of the composite particles was analyzed by using X-ray diffraction analysis and it was found that the expansions of basal d-spacings are less than 16.80 Å, suggesting a monolayer structure.

Graphical abstractAround 6 mmol/L surfactant addition gives the maximum flocculation, as after further addition the system begins defloculate.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (45 K)Download as PowerPoint slide