Bentonite from Porto Santo Island, Madeira archipelago: surface properties studied by inverse gas chromatography

The present paper shows the importance of Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC) for the determination of the surface properties of bentonites. These properties are dispersive surface energy, acid-base properties, surface heterogeneity, sorption isotherms, BET surface areas and heat of sorption, using different probe molecules. IGC can contribute to the interpretation, prediction and optimization of the studied materials' properties. The paper focuses on two distinctive bentonite samples from Porto Santo Island, Madeira archipelago. In view of their potential value, achieved through their incorporation in products for dermopharmacy and dermocosmetics, particle size and particle surface properties are of fundamental importance.