Disaggregation of palygorskite crystal bundles via high-pressure homogenization

A simple and effective method, high-pressure homogenization, for the disaggregation of palygorskite crystal bundles was reported. The effects of high-pressure homogenization on the structure and properties of palygorskite clay were investigated. The palygorskite crystal bundles were disaggregated very well while keeping the intrinsic aspect ratio of the microfibers after homogenized at 50 MPa. Compared to natural palygorskite, the specific surface area (from 192 m(2)/g to 246 m(2)/g), micropore surface area (from 72 m(2)/g to 110 m(2)/g) and micropore volume (from 0.033 cm(3)/g to 0.051 cm(3)/g) of palygorskite were clearly enhanced after homogenization. In addition, a perfect dispersion of palygorskite fibers was obtained after homogenized at 90 MPa. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.