Properties of ZrO2-pillared fluorine micas synthesized using poly (vinyl alcohol) as a template agent

ZrO2-pillared fluorine micas were prepared from synthetic highly layer-charged expandable fluorine mica and an aged zirconyl chloride solution under different conditions, with or without using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a template agent. The effect of preparation conditions on the formation and properties of the pillared micas have been studied. The basal spacings and the specific surface areas of the ZrO2-pillared fluorine micas obtained by the template method were larger than those obtained by the direct intercalation method without PVA. The specific surface area of the pillared micas synthesized by the template method using PVA depended on preparation conditions, such as washing conditions and intercalation temperatures. The washing process of the initial complexes was a key step in controlling the specific surface area of pillared micas at lower heat treatment temperatures. The pillared mica obtained by the template method at the optimal intercalation temperature of 25degreesC gave a maximum BET specific surface area of 240 m(2) . g(-1) and a basal spacing of 2.1 nm following a heat treatment at 500degreesC. Machinable sintered bodies of ZrO2-pillared fluorine micas retaining micropores were obtained by firing powder compacts of pillared mica precursors at 600-700degreesC without binders.