Surface fractal and structural properties of layered clay minerals monitored by small-angle X-ray scattering and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments

Small-angle X-ray scattering of the clay minerals kaolinite, montmorillonite and illite was studied with a compact Kratky camera. From the scattering function, the correlation length, the Porod constant and the specific surface area were determined. The scattering functions also led to the surface fractal dimension. The pore volume distribution, the adsorption/desorption hysteresis, the specific surface area and the surface fractal dimension of the same samples were also determined by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K.