Dynamics of Bentonite Water interaction in Gel Formation

This project strives to investigate the onset of gel formation and aging of bentonite gel through XPCS measurements. Bentonite is a common material for structural and sealing applications in several geological applications. Bentonite has a large swelling ratio with reported expansion as much as 5-15 times its original volume. We intend to observe the dynamics of this swelling because of water intercalation into the layered structure, as a function of temperature and bentonite composition.