Molecular dynamics simulations of organically modified layered silicates

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study the static and dynamic properties of 2:1 layered silicates ion exchanged with alkyl-ammonium surfactants. These systems are in the form of oligomeric alkanes grafted by cationic groups on atomically smooth crystalline layers 10 Å thick and several microns wide. The organically modified layers self-assemble parallel to each other to form alternating, well-ordered organic/inorganic multilayers. By studying the systems at the experimentally measured layer separations, computer modeling directly provides the structure and dynamics of the intercalated surfactant molecules. The grafted-chain conformations are also expressed through the trans-gauche conformer ratios and transition frequencies which compare well with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments.