Preface

This book presents the state-of-the-art results of synthesis, characterization, modification, and technological applications of clays, clay minerals, and materials based on clay minerals, such as polymer–clay nanocomposites and clay hybrids. The main goal of this work is to contribute to the rationalization of some important results obtained in the broad area of clays and clay materials characterization. Moreover, this book provides a comprehensive account of polymer and biopolymer– clay nanocomposites, use of clay as an adsorption material for industrial pollutants, the ceramics industry, and the physical–chemical aspects of aqueous dispersions of clay and clay minerals. This book is beneficial for students, teachers, and researchers who are interested in expanding their knowledge about the use of clays in a diverse range of fields, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, environmental science, industrial remediation, pharmaceuticals, and so on.

The overall idea of the book is to provide the reader with a comprehensive, up-to-date, and evidence-based overview of the current literature in clay science and technology. This book discusses the main and new aspects of clay science and technology and is divided into two sections: "Properties and Materials" and "Applications."

### Properties and Materials

Chapter 1 discusses the use of molecular and vibrational spectroscopies in the characterization of polymer–clay nanocomposites. It presents and reviews the main results collected in more than a decade. The screening of the electronic and vibrational structures of polymer–clay nanocomposites through resonance Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopies has been decisive in determining their structure and in the study of the interactions between clays and intercalated polymers in a myriad of synthetic conditions.

Chapter 2 reviews clay hybrid materials for the most conventional and widely used classes of polymers. It also discusses the general reasons for using clay in hybrid materials. The green composite formed by clay polymer mixing has many improved properties such as high glass transition temperature (Tg), high flame resistance, high tensile strength, and improved barrier properties, all of which may be applied in the textile and automobile industries as well as in the fields of environmental science and polymer engineering.

Chapter 3 discusses the structural modifications of vermiculite clays after some physical and chemical treatments. The vermiculite transformation by structural water loss occurs with increasing temperature, vacuum, irradiation with microwaves or ultraviolet, and with either alcohol or acidic treatment. On the contrary, the transformation by water gain occurs in vermiculites treated with hydrogen peroxide and in those subjected to ionic metal exchange.

Chapter 4 focuses on the treatment of contaminated slurries using different materials. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of seepage flow to the surface and groundwater from industrial discharge. In this study, important investigations are made on the production of composite granules with Şırnak shale and zeolite feed in order to activate microwave heavy metal sorption in the water compost system.

### Applications

Chapter 5 focuses on the use of calcareous clays in the ceramic industry. They must be used with care in ceramics because the carbonate particles do not have the main reductions, which can make recovery difficult during firing. In addition, undesirable damage is possible when in contact with water. This chapter discusses these potential issues, which may occur during the burning of clays with increasing percentages of carbonates.

Chapter 6 broadly discusses the use of clays in the field of pharmaceuticals. The understanding of surface chemistry and particle size distribution of clay minerals has led the pharmaceutical field in many directions and future perspectives. Their unique structure, which helps clays to absorb material onto their layered sheets, has opened up a wide variety of applications in drug delivery. Their ability to control and alter drug release profiles can be exploited in many ways to design effective drug delivery systems. Further advancements in nanotechnology have helped to synthesize and modify clay minerals to enhance their physiochemical properties and their usage as excipients.

Chapter 7 examines the difficulties in the mining industry due to water scarcity and the increased necessity of more sustainable processes. The use of seawater in this industry could be a potential turning point; however, the impact on clay properties under saline conditions must be better studied and analyzed. The rheological data presented by the authors are very interesting and elucidative.

Even though the knowledge regarding the real impact of materials derived from clay on the environment, industrial processes, and human health is still limited, I hope that this book is a useful tool for understanding the broad and complex field of clay science and technology. I would like to thank all the authors for their contributions. I am also grateful to the editorial staff at IntechOpen for their support throughout the process of publishing this book.

> **Dr. Gustavo Morari do Nascimento** Professor, Centre for Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil

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Section 1

Properties and Materials

Section 1
