Preparation And Characterization of Organo-Clay Composite Beads

Abstract

Chitosan/bentonite composite beads were prepared by addition of activated clay into chitosan solution. Bentonite clay was activated by Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB). The composite structure was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. The morphology of beads was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the thermal stability of composite beads. It was observed that the activation of bentonite is essential for composite preparation. The composite grade increased with decreasing particle size of bentonite clay and by using a higher concentration of chitosan solution.