Modificação química de argilas: desafios científicos e tecnológicos para obtenção de novos produtos com maior valor agregado Chemical modification of clays: scientific and technological challenges for obtaining new value-added products

Chemical modification of clays is possible due to their ion-exchange and adsorption capacities, which allows the adjustment of the physicochemical properties of the surfaces of their layers. This modification makes possible the use of clays to produce a great number of new materials, which range from coarse applications such as oil based drilling fluids to refined applications such as pharmaceutical products. This article intends to expose where there is still space for research and investment aiming at the performance improvement of clay-based materials.