Modification of Bentonite from the Ilnitsky Deposit with Chitosan

The bentonite from the Ilnytsky deposit was modified by sorbtion of chitosan on the surface of its particles in an aqueous suspension. It was found that there is an optimal concentration of chitosan (at a constant bentonite content in the suspension) that maximizes the sorption rate of chitosan macromolecules, which leads to improved flocculation and sedimentation of the suspension. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the chitosan sorption on suspension particles significantly increases with increasing pH from 3 to 9.5. The research was conducted using spectrophotometry, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy.