Colloidal properties of smectite clays
Colloidal properties of smectite clays
Smectite clays consist of extremely thin, 1 nm thick sheets which are negatively charged. In low ionic strength water the sheets repel each so strongly that the clay disperses to form colloidal suspensions. This can cause problems for a repository for nuclear waste where smectite clay is used as a barrier to flow. We study the stability of the clay by experiments and by modeling the forces on and between smectite sheets based on fundamental principles. We have developed models that are used to assess the rate of erosion of the smectite buffer used in a nuclear waste repository.
Responsible researcher
Prof. Ivars Neretnieks