Magnetic alignment of nontronite dispersions

The time dependent alignment of exfoliated nontronite dispersions subjected to moderate magnetic field strengths (B. <. 0.8. T) is investigated. The chemical and physical properties of nontronite are thoroughly characterised as well as the phase behaviour of its aqueous dispersions at concentrations between 0.2 and 0.7. vol.%. The degree of nontronite alignment is associated with a birefringent light glow which increases with magnetic field strength, time and clay mineral concentration. Theoretical modelling indicates that the experimentally determined alignment kinetics have a characteristic timescale best described by a probability distribution. These findings are of importance for designing the optical, mechanical and barrier properties of clay polymer nanocomposites.