Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2024
Thermograms of kaolinite and montmorillonite were obtained at water-vapor pressures varying from approximately 0.0001 to 4,500 mm. of Hg with a variable pressure, dynamic gas, differential thermal analysis apparatus. The beginning of the kaolinite endotherm is shifted to a higher temperature with increasing water-vapor pressure. The sharp kaolinite exotherm is shifted to a lower temperature until at six atmospheres water-vapor pressure it makes a small broad peak at approximately 900° C. The dehydroxylation endotherm of montmorillonite is almost unaffected. The 900° C endotherm and the recrystallization exotherm are shifted to a lower temperature with increasing water-vapor pressure. The temperatures of the start of the endothermic peaks associated with exchange cations are shifted upward by increased gas (N2) pressure.
Publication No. 54, Exploration and Production Research Division, Shell Development Co., Houston, Texas.