Ceramic montmorillonite nanocomposites by electrochemical synthesis

Nanocomposite powders of montmorillonite and cerium oxide are synthesized using an electrochemical technique. X-ray diffraction of the nanocomposites shows a random orientation of the powders with particle sizes as small as 4–6 nm. The montmorillonite percentage in the nanocomposite is also shown to affect sintering rates and particle size growth as shown by X-ray diffraction. Fourier transmission infrared measurements confirm the presence of individual platelets of the montmorillonite within the nanocomposite matrix. Nanocomposites containing 1% of the montmorillonite in the matrix increase crystallization, while higher percentages of montmorillonite inhibit particle growth during sintering.