This study aims to conduct an investigation on the performance of an organophilic clay as adsorbent in the oil/water separation process. One goal of this work is to prepare and characterize untreated sodium clay (BSN-01) from Argentina and treated BSN-01. The method used to prepare the organoclay replaces the interlayer cations of the clay (Na+) by quaternary ammonium cations. Tests used X-ray diffraction to verify the obtaining of organoclays. The diffractograms showed that the basal distance of the clay BSN-01 was modified, indicating that the quaternary ammonium salt was intercalated. The results of Cation Exchange Capacity suggested that the interlayer cations of the clay were exchanged with the quaternary cations of the surfactant. Finite bath tests determined the rate and capacity of oil removal by the treated clay. Up to 42.63 mg/g of oil removal capacity (92.34% efficiency) was reached, indicating that the clay treated with CTAC is an excellent alternative in the process of oil removal.

Vermiculite has a structure consisting of layered silicates surfaces interspersed with layers of water. When the expansion occurs intra lamellar clay water is removed. This paper aims to characterize the Vermiculite clay of Santa Luzia, Paraíba (Brazil) in their natural form, and after thermogravimetric treatments by classic X-ray diffraction analysis, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the method of expansion, using the technique of microwave energy is possible, however, the expansion factor is lower when compared to the indirect heating by the thermal expansion of the clay.