Transformation of Sericite into an Interstratified Mineral

Sericite was K-depleted with molten LiNO3. The sample was changed into an interstratified structure in the presence of a small amount of LiNO3 after prolonged treatment, and in the presence of a considerable amount of LiNO3 a similar structure was formed after about 3 hr of reaction. In the case of the presence of the proper amount of NaCl, a mixed-layer structure was easily obtained by treatment for a long period of time with a considerable amount of molten LiNO3. The interstratified mineral had a basal spacing of 22 Å–23·3 Å which was expanded to 25 Å–27·6 Å by treatment with ethylene glycol.