The formation of gels in aqueous solutions of polar organic solvents by the use of a synthetic hectorite has been studied. The thickness of the electrical double layer decreases when the dielectric constant of the medium is reduced, allowing stronger edge-to-face interparticle bonding. This edge-to-face bonding causes a card house like structure of the clay particles within the solution. This can also be achieved by the addition of electrolyte. There was a maximum concentration for each solvent in which clear dispersions could be made, and this was increased with the molecular weight of the organic solvent. Addition of electrolyte and further increased amounts of organic solvent caused an increase in the yield value and the viscosity, but flocculation was occurred at high levels.

극성유기용매 수용액에 합성 hectorite를 분산시켜 얻어지는 젤의 물성 및 유동특성을 연구하였다. 수용액의 유전상수가 작아지면서 전기이중층의 두께는 작아져 점토 입자간 강한 edge-to-face 결합이 이루어지고 이 결합으로 card house형태의 겔구조가 형성된다. 이러한 겔은 전해질첨가에 의해서도 얻어진다. 투명한 분산을 이룰 수 있는 각 극성용매의 최대농도가 있었고 이 농도는 극성용매의 분자량에 비례하였다. 전해질과 극성유기용매의 첨가는 점도와 yield value의 증가를 가져오나 과잉 첨가되면 flocculation이 일어났다.

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