Characterization, Modification and Rheology of Green Clay

Abstract

Smectite clays or bentonites are used in several industrial applications. The aim of this study was to describe the characterization and organophilization of a green clay sample coming from the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The clay was characterized by XRD, XRF, CEC, SEM, stereoscopic microscopy, Fann viscosity (before and after the organophilization process), swelling capacity in water and some organic solvents. Prismatic specimens were conformed by pressing, for which were conformed the mechanical sthegth after drying at 110°C and after burning at 950°C. The burned specimens were analyzed to evaluate dimensional variations, water absorption, apparent porosity and apparent density. XRD showed that the sample was constituted mainly for montmorillonite claymineral. Analysis of rheological properties of the modified clay indicates its potential to meet the specifications of the standard N-2604 of Petrobras, concerning clays used to oil drilling.