EAGER: Engineering a Modifiable Clay: "Tunable" Polymer-Clay Composite

Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, University Park PA

Investigators

Abstract

This grant provides funding for exploring the feasibility of manipulating a polymer-clay composite in which the particle layer interspacing is controlled via a pH- and ionic concentration-responsive polymer. This exploratory research will investigate the extent to which interlayer spacing of polymer-clay composites synthesized with a responsive polymer can be directly manipulated with pH- or ionic concentration-adjusted pore fluids. Clay-polymer composites will be synthesized with Montmorillonite clay and polyacrylamide using a solution intercalation technique. Characterization of the resultant materials and measurement of the interlayer spacings will be performed using X-ray diffraction, ellipsometry, and transmission electron microscopy at the particle level. At the meso-scale, swell potential measurements will be performed. If successful, the results of this work will contribute to the establishment of a novel field of research: engineered soils using functional polymers. Developing this field of research will lead to a broader approach to geotechnical engineering practices. The main contribution expected from this work is to show that the interlayer spacing of the synthesized polymer-clay composites can be manipulated for the purpose of controlling, and even reversing, a meso-scale soil material property, swell potential. The results of this work will provide a greater understanding of responsive polymer-clay composite systems. Advanced knowledge of polymer-clay composites will lead to the development of tunable engineered soil materials to improve the performance of barrier systems, clay liners, filters, and contaminant removal systems.