X-ray diffraction was used to scrutinize the changes
that occur to the clay due to the intercalation and/or
exfoliation of the polymer into the clay galleries. XRD is
a good way to investigate the spacing between the clay
layers due to its easiness and availability. XRD analysis
shows a peak for clays and organoclays reason being their
regular layered structures. This peak conform platelet
separation or d-spacing in clay structure.
With increase in d- spacing XRD peak also shifted
to lower diffraction angles (2θ). Intercalation indicates
that the polymer has entered the space between the
clay platelets but stacking is still there. B. Sharma4 finds
increase in d-spacing values from 18.26854 to 38.05891
stipulated that polymer was able to enter the interlayer
spacing between platelets and eventually getting an
intercalated structure. The absence of absence of
intensity peaks stated exfoliation. Chow12 detected
complete disappearance of the characterization peak
of OMMT in epoxy/glass fibre/OMMT. This indicates
that the silicate platelets in the epoxy matrix were
exfoliated.