Influence of Geological Origin on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Sepiolites

Abstract

In this study the influence of the geological formation environment on the physicochemical properties of two natural sepiolites, as collected, was investigated. The samples analyzed were a lacustrine-derived sample from Tolsa, Spain (ST), and a hydrothermal-derived sample from La Adela, Argentine (SA). Comprehensive characterization was carried out using chemical analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluations of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity behavior. The results indicate that the ST sample exhibits a higher SiO2/MgO ratio and contains amorphous silica impurities, while the SA sample shows a composition more closely aligned with the theoretical stoichiometry of sepiolite. Furthermore, the SA sample demonstrates greater crystallinity compared to the ST sample. Morphological analysis revealed that ST consists of compact, aggregated fibrous structures, while SA is composed of disaggregated, needle-like fibers with high aspect ratios and nanometric diameters. Both samples display predominantly hydrophilic behavior; however, only the SA sample exhibits suspended particles at the interface, suggesting a slightly higher hydrophobic character than ST sample. These findings highlight the significant impact of the geological formation environment on the structural and surface characteristics of sepiolite, which, in turn, influence its performance in applications involving dispersion, adsorption, and interfacial interactions.