Organoclay

Organoclay is an organically modified phyllosilicate, derived from a naturally occurring clay mineral. By exchanging the original interlayer cations for organocations (typically quaternary alkylammonium ions) an organophilic surface is generated, consisting of covalently linked organic moieties. The lamellar structure remains analogous to the parent phyllosilicate. Organoclay can be used to remove oil from water, as a component in paint formulations or as a viscosifier for oil-based drilling fluids. It can be used in polymer chemistry as a nucleating agent. It decreases cell-size but may have a decrease in closed cell content due to uneven dispersion.