The adsorption of sulphuric acid on smectite from acidic aqueous solutions was studied. The amounts of cations dissolved in each equilibrium solution were determined by chemical analysis. Simultaneously, the original smectite and the smectite after each test were characterized by infrared, X-ray diffraction and swelling index. The results obtained permitted us to determine that the substitutions of the exchange cations and the chemical attack occurred at very different acid concentrations and treatment times. It was established that during the acid treatment of the smectite, a progressive damage of its crystalline structure was produced. Finally, the influences of the substitution of exchange cations and of the chemical attack in the swelling index were determined.
adsorption; sulfuric acid; smectite; clay liner
