Aim:

To Determine the Swelling Power of Bentonite.

Apparatus:
Measuring cylinder, Beaker.
Chemicals:
19% w/v Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Bentonite, Distilled water.
Principle:
A fundamental property of Bentonite is to absorb water and
expand. However, not all
Bentonites have the same absorption capacity. Its level of hydration and swelling power
depends on the type of exchangeable ions contained, with different hydrophilic and
solvating power. Swelling is mainly due to two factors: 1) Water absorption at platelet
surface level, and 2) Osmotic repulsive forces, forcing platelets to detach and open up like a
"stack of cards". Sodium Bentonite, with Sodium cation prevalence (Na) allows water to
penetrate through the platelets, forcing them apart, thus leading to swelling. Conversely,
Calcium Bentonite, with Calcium cation prevalence (Ca*), while getting hydrated in much
the
same way, due to its strong positive charge, has lower absorption properties, not
permitting water to penetrate through the platelets.
Procedure:
1. Add 2 gm of Bentonite in twenty portions at intervals of 2 minutes to 100 ml of a
1 per cet w/v aqueous solution of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, in a 100 ml graduated
cylinder of about 3 cm in diameter
22. Allow each portion to settle before adding portion the next and let it stand for
2 hours.
3
3. The apparent volume of the sediment at the bottom of the cylinder is not less than
24 ml
Observation:
The apparent volume of the sediment at the bottom of the cylinder is not less than
24 ml