The effects of fine grinding on the physicochemical properties and thermal behavior of bentonite clay

In this study, the results obtained by the mechanical treatment of bentonite clay Zavidinci, Serbia in a laboratory vibration mill with rings for different periods of time are presented. The successive structural changes of the minerals were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, DTA analysis, IR spectroscopy and particle size distribution. The reactivity changes were controlled by CEC. The starting material and the material mechanically treated for 30 min were sintered at several temperature and for different time periods examined by X-ray diffraction. Mechanical treatment by fine grinding of bentonite clay produces structural changes of the powdered material and influences its behavior in further processing steps in particular after thermal treatment.