Abstract:
Stearate intercalated layered double hydroxide was synthesized by reacting the corresponding
carbonate form with a large excess of stearic acid. Thermal analysis, FTIR, XRD and SEMEDS
characterization indicated the formation of a highly crystalline bilayer-intercalated
product. The composition of the inorganic portion showed high variability in the Al:Mg atom
ratio. This suggests that the crystals comprised stacks of randomly interstratified layers that
varied in compositions from one close to magnesium stearate to one similar to aluminium
distearate. The rheology of the jojoba oil suspensions containing this material showed strong
shear thinning behaviour and also an anomalous temperature dependence.
