Edge-modification of laponite with dimethyl-octylmethoxysilane

This study examines the edge modification of laponite, with a monoalkoxy silane, dimethyl-octylmethoxysilane. The influence of ultrasonics, aging time and silane concentration on the resultant materials is examined. The silylated clays are characterized by XRD, IES, TGA, and Si NMR. The amount of grafted silane was increased by increasing the ratio of silane to clay, sonication of the reaction mixture and ageing the reaction mixture for no more than 24 h to avoid removal of grafted silane due to equilibrium effects. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.