No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 July 2018
The interaction of ammonia with Na—, NH4—, Ca—, Cu—, and Mg— forms of two vermiculites has been investigated by infrared spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Both NH4 ions and co-ordinated NH3 are produced in the interlayer space in amounts which depend on the exchangeable cation and the particle size of the vermiculite. With the exception of that in Cu-vermiculite, the co-ordinated NH3 is rapidly displaced by atmospheric water vapour. NH4 ions are slowly decomposed at normal humidity and more rapidly and completely at high humidity. The co-ordinated NH3 in Cu-vermiculite is converted to NH4. Relative amounts of NH4 and co-ordinated NH3 are influenced by particle size, smaller particles favouring NH4. The stabilities of both species to water vapour increase with particle size.