Synthesis, characterization and assessment thermal properties of clay based nanopigments

Nano-clay based pigments(NCP) are new type of pigments composed of organic dyes and layered silicateclay nano-particles, and have already been used in polymeric coatings to improve mechanical thermal and stability properties. In this paper, the basic blue 41(BB41)was intercalated into Na+- montmorillonite in an aqueous medium. The dye-intercalated montmorillonite was centrifuged, dried, and milled to prepare the nanopigmen particles. X-ray diffraction showed an increase in the basa spacing, thus con fi rming intercalation of the BB41 molecules within the nanostructures of the interlayer spaces. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for identifying the functional groups and chemica bounding of Na+-montmorillonite, BB41 and montmorillonite-BB41. The morphology of NCP was also studied by transmission electron microscopy. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermograms suggested the thermal stability of the intercalated dye was improved.