Dipolar structuring of organically modified fluorohectorite clay particles

This report focuses on both the characterization of organically modified fluorohectorite (Fh) clay particles and their electric-field-induced alignment when suspended in a non-polar liquid (silicone oil). Thermal decomposition temperatures of the surfactant molecules adsorbed on the clay surfaces and those being intercalated between clay crystalline layers were measured by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Zeta potential measurements confirmed the successful modification of the clay surfaces. Optical microscopy observations showed that the sedimentation of modified particles was much slower compared to that of the non-modified system. It was shown that organic modification has a significant effect on colloidal stability of the system, preventing particles from forming large aggregates when suspended in a non-polar liquid. There are also signs of a slight increase in overall alignment of the clay particles when exposed to in an electric field, with the nematic order parameter (S(2)) being higher for the organically modified particles, compared to that of the non-modified counterparts. This behaviour is mainly a result of the formation of smaller and more uniform aggregates, in contrast to the large aggregate structures formed by non-modified clay particles.