Disorder induced by de-intercalation of DMSO from kaolinite

De-intercalation of DMSO from well-crystallised kaolinites induced disorder. SEM, XRD and low-temperature IR were used to probe changes in morphology, layer stacking, and the environment of OH groups, respectively. The degree and type of disorder depended on the starting material and on the method of removing the intercalate. Rapid removal by heating at 250°C caused smaller changes than more prolonged heating at lower temperature, or washing with water.