Clays of different composition have been used in the development of polymer nanocomposites. The utilization of bentonite clays of the State of Paraíba, Brazil, has been emphasized mainly due to their availability. However, these bentonite deposits are becoming exhausted after several years of exploitation. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize bentonite clays recently discovered in the municipality of Cubati, Paraíba. The samples underwent a particle size classification step and were characterized by granulometric analysis by laser diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and cation exchange capacity. The results of particle size distribution showed that the clay samples have similar physical characteristics to bentonite clays of Boa Vista, Paraíba. Results of X-ray diffraction indicated that the mineralogical composition of the samples consisted of montmorillonite, kaolinite and quartz. The characterization of the samples by FTIR confirmed these results. Results of chemical analysis showed that the samples are polycationic bentonite clays and have predominantly different exchangeable cations similar to those seen in South American bentonites.

Characterization studies of clays are often performed to identify possible markets for these materials. Bearing this in mind, two samples of natural clays from the Southeast region of Brazil were studied. Conventional techniques of characterization were used. Granulometric analysis and determination of cationic exchange capacity of these clays were also performed. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements were used to determine the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area, and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda and t-plot pore size analysis were carried out. The results obtained were similar for the two clays. Both present high clay fraction (above 80 wt%) composed of illite, kaolinite and quartz minerals. Stratified illite-smectite structures were also observed. Traces of calcite were detected in one of the clay samples, while traces of montmorillonite were observed in the other sample. These results were corroborated by the low cationic exchange capacity values obtained for both clays. These clays showed good adsorptive properties, evidenced by their specific surface areas, with predominantly mesoporous structures and slit-like pores. According to their features, these clays have potential use as adsorbents to replace more expensive materials due to their easy availability and low cost.

The objective of this work is the production and characterization of glass-ceramic with recycled glass powder and 4% (w/w) of cerium dioxide. Eleven groups were defined with conformation pressure of 11.6 and 25.8 MPa, and cerium dioxide addition. The sintering temperatures of 650, 675, 700 and 750 °C were used. The raw material was formed into a mold with a uniaxial pressure. The density was measured by the Archimedes principle. The water absorption of the groups was also determined, as linear contraction percentage and the crystalline structure. The flexural strength was obtained by the three-point bending test and the results analyzed by the Weibull analysis. The specimens presented density ranging from 1.99 to 2.38 g/cm3. Increasing the temperature provided an increase in the density of the specimens and the flexural strength. At higher sintering temperature, this behavior was not observed. The highest flexural strength was 63.55 MPa, obtained at the sintering temperature of 700 ºC, conformed with 25.8 MPa, only glass powder. The increase in the forming pressure favored crystallization. The addition of cerium dioxide favored for the increase density and the Weibull modulus, but decrease of the flexural strength.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO MINERALÓGICA E BENEFICIAMENTO DAS BENTONITAS DA REGIÃO DE CUBATI E PEDRA LAVRADA - PB