Physical Chemistry of Clay-Water Interaction

Abstract

Clay and water are two of the most common substances in the earth's crust. Separately and together they influence daily lives of individuals. Frequently, the mutual interaction between clay and water controls the formation of clouds and the infiltration of rain water into the soil. It is often responsible for the failure of buildings and highways and the decreased production of oil wells. It affects the quality of paper coatings and ceramics. This chapter provides a critical review of the recent literature on clay–water interaction. Understanding the nature and properties of the two components help to understand the nature of clay–water interaction.