1st Edition

Bentonite Clay Environmental Properties and Applications

By Roland Pusch Copyright 2015
    360 Pages 220 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Studies the Environmental, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Applications of Bentonite Clay

    Bentonite clay, of which members of the smectite family of clay minerals are particularly important, has proven to be effective in sealing off wastes from groundwater. Bentonite Clay: Environmental Properties and Applications explores the mineralogy of clays in general and of smectites in particular that represent challenging conditions for geotechnical professionals responsible for earth dam construction, the foundations of roads and buildings, and the long-term isolation of chemical and radioactive wastes. The author, a world-renowned expert on the subject, places special emphasis on the environmental behavior of bentonite clay when focused on the isolation of hazardous wastes and also considers its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

    Based on classical literature and current research and development, this text provides an in-depth introduction to bentonite soil, explains the origin of smectite-rich clays, and pinpoints where they can be found. The book describes the interaction of expandable clay minerals, gas, and fluids, followed by a description of the physical and chemical properties of smectite clay saturated with water or chemical solutions. It also provides relevant findings and conclusions concerning the function of bentonite-based sealing repositories for dangerous waste.

    This text:

    • Describes the constitution of smectite minerals as a basis for understanding the behavior of smectite clays and their performance in the isolation of hazardous waste
    • Factors in the longevity of smectite clays in bentonite beds and in the form of canister-embedding buffers in repositories for deep geological disposal of highly radioactive waste (HLW)
    • Covers the design principles for clay seals and considers their function in the isolation of waste and redirecting groundwater flow

    Bentonite Clay: Environmental Properties and Applications documents the origin, properties, and characteristics of bentonite and its uses. A resource for researchers, practitioners, regulators, and policy makers, the text examines the use of clay in hazardous waste and nuclear waste management and provides readers with detailed descriptions of related technical solutions.

    Introduction
    Main Issues
    Smectite clay—the muddiest type of soft clay
    Stress-strain problems
    Preparation of smectite clay for sealing purposes
    Quality issues
    Performance tests
    References
    Origin and Occurrence of Smectite Clays: Bentonites
    Origin of Smectite Clays
    Where Are All These Famous and Magic Clays?
    Potential Smectite Resources
    Are New Smectites being Formed Today?
    Quality of Natural Smectite Clays for Practical Use
    Conclusion
    References
    Nature of Smectites
    Basics
    The Smectite Family
    The Crystal Constitution of Smectites
    Chemical Composition of Natural Smectite Clays
    Mineral Composition of Natural Smectite Clays
    The Role of Clay Particle Charge
    Conclusion
    References
    Clay-Fluid-Gas Systems
    Overview
    Physicochemical Background
    Hydraulic Conductivity
    Gas Conductivity
    Ion Diffusion
    Colloid Transport
    Microbiological Filtering
    Heat Transport—Thermal Properties
    Couplings, Dependencies, and Interdependencies
    References
    Physical Performance of Smectite Clay Seals: Prediction and Reality
    Introduction
    Application of Concepts of Soil Mechanics to Smectite Clay
    The Role and Mechanisms of Consolidation and Creep
    Fundamentals of Thermal Conditions and Performance
    Evolution of Clay Seals
    Clay Microstructure and its Role for the Stress-Strain Behavior of Smectite Clays
    Effect of Combined Wetting and Heating of Clay Seals—The Buffer Case
    Concepts and Techniques for Isolating Moderately Hazardous Waste
    Concepts for Isolating Highly Radioactive Waste
    Very Deep Holes
    Correlation of Hydraulic and Mechanical Performances of Clay Seals
    Concluding Remarks
    References
    Chemical Processes Involved in and Longevity of Smectite Buffer
    Chemical Stability of Smectite Clay for Waste Isolation
    Experimental Evidence
    A Summary Respecting Smectite Chemistry and Mineralogy
    Concluding Remarks
    References
    Processing of Clays and Preparation of Seals
    Overview
    Block Preparation
    Clay Liners, Materials, and Principles of Construction
    Clays for Rock Grouting
    General Aspects on Selection and Use of Smectite Clays for Waste Isolation
    References
    Environmental Behavior
    Waste Isolation by Use of Clay
    VDH—Ostrich Philosophy or a Serious Alternative for HLW Disposal?
    Sealing Components
    SARC—The Poor Man’s Solution
    Borehole Sealing
    References
    Pharmacology and Cosmetics
    Origin of Life
    Interaction of Smectite Clay and Organic Molecules
    Interaction of Clays and Organics in Medical Treatment
    Sun Protection
    Clay in Cosmetology
    Summary of Fundamental Properties of Smectitic Creams on Skin
    References

    Biography

    Roland Pusch received a PhD in soil mechanics in 1962 from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, and a PhD in geology in 1970 from Stockholm University, Sweden. He was an associate professor in soil mechanics and foundation engineering at Chalmers University of Technology (1967–1974), Sweden, and a professor at the Technical University at Luleå (1974–1982), Sweden. Dr. Pusch’s academic career was paralleled by work in major consulting companies. The author of five books, including Microstructure of Smectite Clays and Engineering Performance (together with R. N. Yong) for Taylor & Francis, he has also published numerous papers.