The characterization of $Na_2CO_3$ activated Kütahya bentonite

Abstract

A calcium bentonite from Kütahya region (Turkey) was activated with $Na_2CO_3$ at various ratios (1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10, 15g / 100 g bentonite). Due to ion exchange, the original Ca-bentonite was converted to Na-bentonite by $Na_2CO_3$ when the $Na_2CO_3$/bentonite ratio was 2.5% (2.5 g $Na_2CO_3$/100 22g bentonite, A2.5). Na-bentonite (A2.5) obtained by soda activation was treated with 3 g $CaCl_2$/ 100 g bentonite and converted to Ca-bentonite again. The products were investigated by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and micropore analysis. It was observed that the cation exchange capacity (CEC) did not change until the soda ratio was 2.5%. After this value the CEC decreased rapidly. The main montmorillonite hkl diffraction reflections were changed by $ Na_2CO_3$ and $CaCl_2$ treatments. This showed that ion exchange was realized. It was observed that the specific surface area decreased from 49.34 $m^ {2g} ^ {-1}$ to29.92 $m^2g^{-1}$ by $Na_2CO_3$ and increased from 29.92 $m^ {2g} ^ {-1}$ to 70.34 $m^ {2g} ^ {-1}$ by $CaCl_2$. In addition, it was determined that $Na_2CO_3$ activated Kütahya Ca-bentonite can be used as drilling mud.