DEHYDRATION AND DEHYDROXYLATION OF REDUCED CHARGE MONTMORILLONITE

Reduced charge montmorillonites (RCM) were prepared by the thermal treatment of lithium-saturated montmorillonite. Samples prepared by mild thermal treatment with lithium contained more water sorbed than the original montmorrilonite. When RCMs were prepared, part of the lithium cations reacted with hydroxyl groups in the octahedral sheet and released protons, which reacted with the structure. Acid treatment probably enhanced the surface area. which was reflected in the amount of water sorbed. Deprotonation of hydroxyl groups was proved by the measurements of the ignition loss. The heating of lithium saturated montmorillonite at higher temperatures brought about the collapse of the interlayers and a decrease in the amount of water sorbed.