Influence of the type of exchangeable cation on the electrolytic conductivity of bentonite suspensions

The electrolytic conductivity of bentonite aqueous suspensions was investigated. The starting material (Ca-Mont) was exchanged with sodium ions, using an ion exchange column. The sodium form of bentonite (Na-Mont) was used to obtain organobentonites. The electrolytic conductivity of the starting material, Na-Mont and organobentonites was studied for different suspension concentration. The highest value of the electrolytic conductivity was obtained for Na-Mont, while the organic cation in the bentonite structure decreased the electrolytic conductivity.