Study of some variables of the pillaring process of smectite clays

In this work three variables of the pillaring process of esmectitic clays were studied: the velocity of preparation of the pillaring solution (using aluminium chloride and sodium hydroxide), the maturing period and the method of water washing of the clay. The procedures were used in two North American reference clays and is one Brazilian clay. The procedures were used in two North American reference clays and in one Brazilian clay. The develop procedure is faster and gives pillaring results equivalent to those existing in literature. (author)