**6.1. Resistant to nausea and diarrhea**

Water molecule adsorption and swelling of montmorillonite introduce hydrated states and hysteresis. The migration of counter-ion, initially bound to montmorillonite surface to the central interlayer plane, leads to swelling in montmorillonite. Therefore, charge locus in

An important concern in clay mineral study is how the monovalent and divalent cations affect

In any of the above two (i and ii) cases, negative charge produced is compensated by inter-

The small platelet size and stacking structure are indicated as complicated to accurately characterize through experiment. Therefore, molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) is a useful way of understanding the atomic level structure. MDS is useful to study montmorillonite structure

The valence of the cations showed a significant influence on montmorillonite-water system.

The simultaneous measurement of swelling and swelling pressure was done using a researcher- developed cell [30]. Undisturbed clay samples at a defined swelling (0–75%) were removed from the cell and analyzed using SEM, FTIR, and ATR (micro- attenuated total reflectance) spectroscopy. Silicate (Si-O)-stretching region (1150–950 cm−1) showed significant changes with variation in swelling and orientation. It was found that the reduced particle size with increased swelling was related to increased misorientation of the clay platelets. The rearrangement of clay platelets was observed as a direct result of the breakdown of the clay

The addition of montmorillonite in material, polymer, and products may result in significant enhancement in the required performance. Interestingly, there is a great variety of montmorillonite utilization as an additive in composite or as a functional filler in polymers. The results obtained indicated useful effects. Examples included the applications as food additive for health and stamina, for antibacterial activity, as sorbent for nonionic, anionic, and cationic

shows a strong interaction with dehydrated mont-





interacts

including swelling and hydration of interlayer cations. MDS was performed for K<sup>+</sup>

morillonite sheets; however, in case of hydrated montmorillonite sheets, cation Ca+


montmorillonite has a strong influence on swelling dynamics [28].

dral sheet. The montmorillonite platelets can be negatively charged when

**i.** tetrahedral substitution of Si by Al in two tetrahedral sheets, or **ii.** octahedral substitution of Al by Mg in central octahedral sheet.

layer ions. The hydration of interlayer cations produces swelling [29].

Ca2+-montmorillonites with varying level of water content.

strongly. Therefore, the layer spacing of simulated K<sup>+</sup>

dyes, and as catalyst in organic synthesis, and so on.

Simulations indicate that the cation K<sup>+</sup>

particles with increased hydration.

**6. Functional utilization**

obvious.


12 Current Topics in the Utilization of Clay in Industrial and Medical Applications

the swelling pattern of K<sup>+</sup>

Dietary toxins, bacterial toxins, and metabolic toxins can be absorbed by clay to resist nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Montmorillonite-based product is indicated to work immediately on the digestive channel and bind the toxic substances resulting in their removal from the body through the stool [31].

The effects of montmorillonite-zinc oxide hybrid on diarrhea, intestinal permeability, and morphology were investigated on a total of 180 piglets. Piglets were divided in five groups and studied for 2 weeks using dietary treatment with montmorillonite and montmorillonite-ZnO in diet. Importantly, results obtained indicated that the dietary addition of 500 mg/kg of Zn from MMT-ZnO was similar to 2000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO, and more effective relative to montmorillonite alone or 500 mg/kg of Zn, from ZnO, for the growth enhancement of piglets, alleviating diarrhea, improving intestinal microflora, mucosal barrier integrity, and morphology of weaned pigs [32].
