Montmorillonite intercalated with polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin: preparation, characterization, and sorption...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Clay Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry

Background:

• Pitch control is crucial in the pulp and paper industry.
• Organophilic and cationic montmorillonite are effective for pitch control.
• Polyaminoamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) is a key modifier for montmorillonite.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare PAE-modified montmorillonite using solution and melt intercalation methods.
• To characterize the modified montmorillonite and determine PAE inclusion levels.
• To evaluate the affinity of modified montmorillonite for colloidal rosin acid.

Main Methods:

• Intercalation of polyaminoamide into montmorillonite (solution and melt methods).
• Reaction with epichlorohydrin to form PAE-modified montmorillonite.
• Characterization using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis.
• Determination of surface charge densities.

Main Results:

• Melt intercalation was more effective for incorporating PAE into montmorillonite compared to solution intercalation.
• Both modified montmorillonite types demonstrated significant affinity for dispersed colloidal rosin acid.
• Various surface charge densities were achieved in the cationic-modified montmorillonite.

Conclusions:

• PAE-modified montmorillonite, particularly via melt intercalation, is a promising material for pitch control.
• The strong affinity for rosin acid highlights its potential application in the pulp and paper industry.
• The preparation method influences the degree of PAE inclusion and material properties.