Nanoclay and Its Importance

Clays are the one of the most important minerals and have numerous applications in nanotechnology, helps in improvise the product quality, cost effective and protect the environment from pollution. This review explained about the key characters of nanoclay particles and classification of nanoclay based on the sheets arrangements in their structural unit called layer. Nano clay major groups are kaoline-serpentine, smectite, mica, vermiculite, pyrophyllite talc and chlorite. The physicho-chemical and morphological properties of halloystite and mantmorillonite clay represents the 1:1 and 2:1 layer groups respectively. Nano clays are the group which is naturally present in the soil fraction of clay and most important nano clay material present in the soil are montmorillonite and allophone. Montmorillonite is a characteristically crystalline, phyllosilicate and hydrous silicate layer. Organo clays are the organically modified forms of the montmorillonite and formed from quaternary ammonium ions intercalation process and which have been used in inks, rheomodifiers, cosmetics, greases, as a additives in paints and also used in controlled release of drugs in delivery systems. Largest usage of nanoclaysis being practiced in polymer-clay nanocomposites. Organo clays are most importantly using in water treatment and pollution control. Allophane is formed by weathering of volcanic ash; it is non crystalline alluminium silicate derivative. Agricultural lands in Chile mostly formed by the allophane clay fraction. It is most suitable for enzyme mobilization. It also very useful in abortion of phenolic compounds, mill effluent colours and phosphates from waste water.