Aggregation of clay particles as indicated by indirect transforms of small-angle scattering data

Clays prepared by sedimentation from aqueous suspension were shown to contain aggregates much larger than individual clay particles. Small-angle X-ray scattering data were obtained with an automated Bonse-Hart instrument. The distance distribution functions for the clay aggregates were obtained using the Glatter indirect Fourier transform method. The distance distribution function extended to over 200000 Å, and the average radius of gyration was over 50000 Å in the most extreme cases.