PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL STUDIES OF MONTMORILLONITE-ENRICHED CLAY FROM THE OUTSKIRTS OF KHMELNYTSKYI

The X-ray diffraction and complex thermal analysis show that the fraction of clay with the particle size ≤ 0.5×10–6 m from the Khmelnytskyi region is represented by the Ca–Mg-form of ferric-type montmorillonite. The mineral’s interlayer spacings are partially intercalated with natural organic matter. Based on the results of the photocolorimetry studies of the methylene blue dye sorption, the montmorillonite exchange capacity was defined and confirmed by thermogravimetric data. In terms of the dominant mineral’s ability to form organo-mineral complexes, it is recommended that studied clay be used for the environmental purposes as an engineering method of landfill protection against leachate by installing imprevious screens on these landfills.