Alteration of three Turkish bentonites by treatment with $Na_2CO_3$ and $H_2SO_4$

Abstract

In this study, fine fractions of bentonites from the Çankırı and Kütahya regions were treated with $Na_2CO_3$ and $H_2SO_4$. The resulting materials were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TGA, DTA) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Surface areas of the samples were also measured. The results showed that structural changes were observed by treatment with $Na_2CO_3$ and $H_2SO_4$. These changes showed differences depending on exchangeable cations, clay type and the ratio of additives.