Encapsulation of cactus (Opuntia megacantha) betaxanthins by ionic gelation and spray drying: A comparative study.

The encapsulation of betaxanthins from orange Opuntia megacantha fruits was performed as a stabilisation strategy for these natural pigments. Betaxanthin-rich extract (BE) was encapsulated by two methodologies, spray drying (SD) and ionic gelation (IG). Encapsulates were obtained by using two encapsulating agents (EA), a mixture of maltodextrin-cactus cladode mucilage and sodium alginate (SA) for SD and IG, respectively. Their properties were compared with the freeze-dried cactus fruit pulp (CP) as control. Total betaxanthin content, moisture content, water activity (aw), particle size, morphology by SEM, colour parameters (CIELab), and thermogravimetric properties were analysed in the encapsulates. Additionally, the antioxidant activity, total dietary fibre content, and pigment stability of encapsulates under two relative humidity conditions were also evaluated. The results showed that the encapsulation technique, EA concentration, and the BE/EA ratio affected the particle size and morphology, the glass transition temperature, and the mass loss of encapsulated materials. The best pigment stabilisation was obtained for the SD capsules, although both encapsulation techniques allowed improving the pigment stability in comparison with the CP taken as control. These results provided evidence that betaxanthins from Opuntia megacantha have the potential to be used as natural pigments, soluble in water, with functional properties for the food industry.

Magnetita (Fe 3 O 4 ): Una estructura inorgánica con multiples aplicaciones en catálisis heterogénea / Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ): An inorganic structure with many applications for heterogeneous catalysis / Magnetita (Fe 3 O 4 ): Uma estrutura inorgânica com múltiplas aplicações em catálise heterogénea

Resumen Se describió la intervención del mineral magnetita como catalizador o como soporte catalitico, un material inorgánico con una estructura de espinela inversa (FeFe204), en el desarrollo de un número importante de reacciones quimicas de interes cientifico, tecnológico y ambiental. Debido a la necesidad actual de generar procesos quimicos eficientes y favorables ambientalmente, la magnetita se ha convertido en un material promisorio en los contextos de la quimica verde, la quimica fina y la catálisis heterogénea. Este óxido de hierro se ha estudiado en diversas reacciones: catalizador másico, soporte catalitico de metales y de óxidos metálicos, núcleo de catalizadores tipo core-shell, o modificado mediante el anclaje de organocatalizadores y complejos metálicos. Se discute el desempeno catalitico de estos sistemas basados en magnetita, en reacciones de catálisis asimetrica, ambiental, ácido-base, de óxido-reducción, de sintesis multicomponente y de acoplamiento C-C. Particularmente, dichos catalizadores han mostrado enorme importancia en ciertas reacciones de tipo Sonogashira, Sonogashira-Hagihara, Mannich, Ullman, Knoevenagel, Suzuki-Miyaura y Fenton heterogénea, entre otras. Finalmente, se detallaron algunos usos tecnológicos de la magnetita en el contexto nacional (Colombia) y se intentó localizar geográficamente los depósitos importantes.

Abstract This manuscript contains a review on the mediation of magnetite, an inorganic material with an inverse spinel structure (FeFe204), being used as either catalyst or catalytic support in many chemical reactions of scientific, technological and environmental interest. Because of current awareness on the efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes, magnetite has become as a promising material in contexts such as green chemistry, fine chemistry, and heterogeneous catalysis. This iron oxide has been used in several reactions as bulk catalyst, catalytic support of either metals or metal oxides, core in catalysts type core-shell, or as solid modified by grafting with organocatalysts and metal complexes. The catalytic performance of these systems has been described in some chemical processes such as: asymmetric catalysis, environmental catalysis, acid-base catalysis, redox reactions, multicomponent synthesis reactions, and those of C-C coupling. Particularly, these catalysts have shown large importance in a variety of reactions: Sonogashira, Sonogashira-Hagihara, Mannich, Ullman, Knoevenagel, Suzuki-Miyaura, and the Fenton heterogeneous reaction, among others. Finally, some technological uses of magnetite in the national context (Colombia) are detailed, and localizing geographically the most important deposits of this mineral in the Colombian region was intended.

Resumo Foi descrita uma intervenção da mineral magnetita, um material inorgânico com estrutura de espinela inversa (FeFe204), como catalisador ou como suporte catalitico no desenvolvimento de um número importante de reações quimicas de interesse cientifico, tecnológico e ambiental. Devido à necessidade atual de gerar processos quimicos eficientes e favoráveis ambientalmente, a magnetita surge como um material promissório nos contextos da quimica verde, da quimica fina e da catálise heterogénea. Este óxido de ferro e objeto de estudo em diversas reações: catalizador mássico, suporte catalitico de metais e de óxidos metálicos, núcleo de catalizadores tipo core-shell, ou modificado mediante a ancoragem de organocatalizadores e complexos metálicos. E descrito o desempenho catalitico deste tipo de sistemas em algumas reacóes de catálise assimetrica, ambiental, ácido-base, de óxido-redução, de sintese multicomponente y de acoplamento C-C. Particularmente, ditos catalisadores tem mostrado enorme importáncia em certas reações do tipo Sonogashira, Sonogashira-Hagihara, Mannich, Ullman, Knoevenagel, Suzuki-Miyaura e a reação Fenton heterogénea, entre outras. Finalmente, são detalhados alguns usos tecnológicos da magnetita no contexto nacional (Colômbia) e realiza-se um esforço por localizar geograficamente os depósitos mais importantes do mineral no território colombiano.

Encapsulating betalains from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits by ionic gelation: Pigment chemical stability during storage of beads.

Betalain encapsulation was performed by ionic gelation as a stabilization strategy for these natural pigments. Betalains were extracted from purple cactus fruits and encapsulated in calcium-alginate and in combination of calcium alginate and bovine serum albumin. Beads were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. Moisture sorption isotherms were determined. Bead morphology was affected by matrix composition. Pigments storage stability was evaluated at different equilibrium relative humidity and temperatures. Pigment composition of beads was determined by HPLC-MS-MS and degradation products were also analysed after storage; betalamic acid being the major one. Both types of matrices protected the encapsulated pigments, being their storage stability better at low relative humidity than that of the non-encapsulated control material. Antiradical activities of beads were proportional to remaining betalain contents. At high relative humidity, there was no protection and low storage stability was observed in the samples.

Delaminated montmorillonite with iron(III)-TiO2 species as a photocatalyst for removal of a textile azo-dye from aqueous solution.

A set of mesoporous delaminated montmorillonites containing iron(III)-titanium oxide species was synthesized using two minerals: a bentonite as support and an ilmenite as source of Fe-TiO2 species. Several values of both sulphuric acid concentration and temperature were employed to extract Fe-TiO2 species from an ilmenite. Analyses by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption confirmed the successful formation of delaminated (or exfoliated) mesoporous structures. Optical properties of solids were determined by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and their band gap energy values were also calculated. A small UV-shift of band gap values regarding that of commercial photo-active TiO2 was detected as consequence of the quantum size effect, suggesting that photocatalytic experiments should be performed under UV-radiation assistance. The synthesized solids showed good activity in the photocatalytic oxidation of a textile dye (reactive yellow 145: RY 145), achieving conversions higher than 70% and chemical oxygen demand removal between 60% and 80%.

Microencapsulation of betalains obtained from cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) by spray drying using cactus cladode mucilage and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents.

The microencapsulation of betalains from cactus fruit by spray drying was evaluated as a stabilization strategy for these pigments. The betalains used as active agent were extracted from purple fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (BE) and encapsulated with maltodextrin and cladode mucilage MD-CM and only with MD. The microcapsulates were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA-DSC), tristimulus colorimetry, as well as, their humidity, water activity and dietary fiber content were also determined. The active agent content was measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and its composition confirmed by HPLC-ESIMS. A pigment storage stability test was performed at 18 °C and different relative humidities. The addition of CM in the formulation increased the encapsulation efficiency, diminished the moisture content, and allowed to obtain more uniform size and spherical particles, with high dietary fiber content. These microencapsulates are promising functional additive to be used as natural colorant in the food industry.

Síntesis y caracterización de bentonita modificada con especies de TiO2 y Fe-TiO2 obtenidas del mineral ilmenita / Synthesis and characterization of modified-bentonite with TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 species obtained from ilmenite / Síntese e caracterização de bentonita modificada com espécies de TiO2 e Fe-TiO2 obtidas do mineral ilmenita

Se sintetizó una serie de sólidosnanoestructurados obtenidos de laintercalación de nanopartículas de TiO2y Fe-TiO2 en los espacios interlaminaresde un mineral de arcilla esmectítico. Losnuevos materiales se prepararon mediantela modificación simultánea de dos mineralesnaturales: bentonita e ilmenita. Los materialesobtenidos se caracterizaron por fluorescenciade rayos X (FRX), espectroscopia infrarroja(IR), difracción de rayos X (DRX),microscopia electrónica de barrido (SEM)y sortometría de nitrógeno. Los resultadosdel análisis químico (FRX) confirmaronclaramente la incorporación de titanio y dehierro en los materiales sintetizados. Losanálisis por DRX, SEM y sortometría denitrógeno verificaron la modificación delmineral de arcilla por incorporación deespecies de dióxido de titanio y la generaciónde estructuras mesoporosas delaminadas oexfoliadas con incremento en los valores deárea superficial y porosidad controlada.

A set of nanostructured porous solids was synthesized by intercalation of TiO2 and Fe- TiO2 into the interlayer sites of a smectite clay mineral. The new materials were prepared through simultaneous modification of two natural minerals: bentonite and ilmenite. Synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2-adsorption technique. Results of chemical analysis (XRF) clearly confirmed the incorporation of titanium and iron in the synthesized materials. Modification of clay mineral by incorporation of titanium dioxide species was verified by XRD, SEM and N2- adsorption analyses, showing the formation of mesoporous delaminated structures with increased surface areas and controlled porosity.

Uma serie de sólidos nanoestruturadosforam sintetizados, obtidos pela intercalaçãode nanopartículas de TiO2 e Fe-TiO2 nosespaços interlaminares de um mineralde argila esmectítica. Os novos materiaisforam preparados mediante a modificaçãosimultânea de dois minerais naturais:uma bentonita e uma ilmenita. Osmateriais obtidos foram caracterizadospor fluorescência de raios X (FRX),espectroscopia infra-vermelho (IR), difraçãode raios X (DRX), microscopia eletrônica devarredura (SEM) e sortometria de nitrogênio.Os resultados da análise química (FRX)confirmaram claramente a incorporação detitânio e de ferro nos materiais sintetizados.A análise por DRX, SEM e sortometriade nitrogênio verificaram a modificaçãodo mineral de argila por incorporação deespécies de dióxido de titânio, demonstrandoa geração de estruturas mesoporosasdelaminadas ou esfoliadas com incrementonos valores de área superficial e porosidade controlada.

Anthocyanin composition of wild Colombian fruits and antioxidant capacity measurement by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The qualitative and quantitative anthocyanin composition of four wild tropical fruits from Colombia was studied. Compounds of "mora pequeña" ( Rubus megalococcus Focke.), "uva de árbol" ( Myrciaria aff. cauliflora O. Berg), coral, and motilón ( Hyeronima macrocarpa Mull. Arg.) fruits were separately extracted with methanol-acetic acid (95:5, v/v). The anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) were obtained by selective adsorption on Amberlite XAD-7. Each extract was analyzed by HPLC-PDA and HPLC-HRESI-MS(n) with LCMS-IT-TOF equipment in order to characterize the anthocyanin pigments and the coinjection in HPLC using standards allowed identifying the major constituents in each extract. The antioxidant activity was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopy, using ABTS and DPPH free radicals. The ARE of motilón ( H. macrocarpa Müll. Arg) exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity in comparison to the other extracts. A second-order kinetic model was followed in all of the cases. These results suggested that the studied fruits are promising not only as source of natural pigments but also as antioxidant materials for food industry.

Microencapsulation by spray-drying of anthocyanin pigments from Corozo ( Bactris guineensis) fruit.

The anthocyanins of Bactris guineensis fruit were isolated with the aid of high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and preparative HPLC, and their chemical structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic methods. Among the identified pigments, cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside were characterized as major constituents (87.9%). Peonidin-3-rutinoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-(6-O-malonyl)glucoside, and cyanidin-3-sambubioside were present in minor amounts. Four anthocyanin ethanolic extracts (AEEs) were obtained by osmotic dehydration and Soxhlet extraction and physicochemically characterized. The composition of anthocyanins was monitored by HPLC-PDA. The extracts with the highest anthocyanin content were subjected to the spray-drying process with maltodextrin. The so-obtained spray-dried powders were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and found to consist of spherical particles <50 microm in size. The anthocyanin composition was similar to that of the fruit. The microencapsulated powders were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealing that they are quite stable until 100 degrees C. Storage stability tests of microcapsules showed that the release of anthocyanin pigments follows pseudo-first-order kinetics and that the process rate is increased by temperature and humidity. The most suitable conditions for storage were below 37 degrees C and <76% relative humidity, respectively.

Síntesis de matrriales microcompuestos de poliailina/arcilla: caracterización y evaluación de su actividad como agentes anticorrosioos / Synthesi of polyyanilineclay microcomposite materials: characterizationn and assessment of its activity as anticorrosive agetss / Síntese d materiiais micro-compostos de polianilina/argila: caracterização e avaliação da sua atividade como agentes anti-corossivos

En el presente trabajo se realiza la síntesis de materiales “microcompuestos” a partir de polianilina en su forma esmeraldina base y dos montmorillonitas colombianas. Las arcillas naturales fueron sometidas a intercambio catiónico con una sal de amonio cuaternaria para obtener arcillas organofílicas que posteriormente fueron modificadas con polianilina mediante polimerización oxidativa in situ. La caracterización de los sólidos mediante espectroscopía infrarroja (FT-IR), difracción de rayos X (DRX), SEM y DSC evidencia la síntesis exitosa de los materiales mediante intercalación o delaminación de los minerales de arcilla. Los sólidos sintetizados se evaluaron como agentes anticorrosivos mediante mediciones electroquímicas de potencial de corrosión, resistencia de polarización y corriente de corrosión sobre electrodos de acero cold-rolled 1020 (AISI-SAE). Se encontró que los microcompuestos sintetizados brindan protección a la superficie del acero contra los agentes corrosivos, obteniendo diferencias significativas entre los materiales microcompuestos de polianilina/ arcilla, sin que éstos superen el potencial anticorrosivo de la polianilina en su forma esmeraldina base pura.

In the present work microcomposites-materials from polyaniline as emeraldine- base and two Colombian montmorillonites were synthesized. The natural clays were subjected to cationic exchange with an ammonium quaternary salt in order to obtain organophilic clays to be modified with polyaniline by an “in situ” oxidative polymerization. Characterization by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), SEM and DSC reveals the successful synthesis of materials by means of intercalation or delamination of the clay minerals. The synthesized solids were assessed as anticorrosive agents by electrochemical measurements of corrosion potential, polarization resistance and corrosion current on electrodes of cold-rolled 1020 (AISI-SAE) steel. It was found that the synthesized microcomposites provide protection to the surface of steel against corrosive agents, obtaining in this way important difference between the microcomposites materials of polyaniline/ clay, without they can surpass the anticorrosive potential of the polyaniline in the pure emeraldine-base form.

No presente trabalho realizou-se a síntese de materiais “micro-compostos” a partir de polianilina em sua forma esmeraldina base e duas montmorillonitas colombianas. As argilas naturais foram submetidas a intercâmbio catiónico com uma sal da amônia quaternaria para obter argilas organofílicas que foram modificadas posteriormente com polianilina mediante polimerização oxidativa “in situ”. A caracterização dos sólidos mediante espectroscopia de absorção na região de infravermelho (FT-IR), difração de raios X (DRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e DSC evidência a síntese exitosa dos materiais mediante intercalação ou elaminação dos minerais da argila. Os sólidos sintetizados foram avaliados como agentes anti-corrosivos mediante medidas eletroquímicas do potencial da corrosão, resistência do polarização e corrente da corrosão sobre elétrodos de aço cold-rolled 1020 (AISI-SAE). Encontrou-se que os micro-compostos sintetizados oferecem proteção à superfície do aço contra os agentes corrosivos, obtendo-se diferenças importantes entre os materiais micro-compostos de polianilina/ argila, sem que estes superem o potencial anti-corrosivo da polianilina em sua forma esmeraldina base pura.

CARACTERIZACIÓN TÉRMICA Y ESPECTROSCÓPICA DE ARCILLAS PILARIZADAS CON SOLUCIONES POLIHIDROXOCATIÓNICAS DE Al, Ce, Fe / THERMAL AND SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CLAYS PILLARED WITH Al, Ce, Fe POLYHYDROXOCATIONIC SOLUTIONS / CARACTERIZAÇÃO TÉRMICA E ESPECTROSCÓPICA DE ARGILAS PILARIZADAS COM SOLUÇÕES POLIHIDROXOCATIÔNICAS DE Al, Ce, Fe

Este trabajo presenta la caracterización por espectroscopía infrarroja (IR), análisis termogravimétrico (TGA), análisis térmico diferencial (DTA) y espectroscopía de resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN de 29Si y RMN de 27Al) de un conjunto de arcillas pilarizadas con soluciones polihidroxocatiónicas de Al, Al-Fe, Al-Ce o Al-Ce-Fe. Los análisis de TGADTA indican un efecto térmico favorable (mayor estabilidad térmica) con la adición de Ce, Fe o Ce-Fe. Los resultados de IR y deRMNde 29Si revelan una probable formación de enlace entre el pilar de alúmina y la capa tetraédrica de SiO4 de la arcilla, mientras que la RMN de 27Al no muestra evidencias de reemplazo isomórfico de Fe o Ce en los pilares de alúmina incorporados. Igualmente y por IR, no se observan diferencias estructurales entre los sólidos pilarizados con Al y los pilarizados con Al-Ce, lo cual indica que el cerio posiblemente se incorpora de manera independiente al pilar de alúmina.

This work shows the characterization by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (29SiNMRand 27Al NMR) of a set of pillared clays synthesized with Al, Al-Fe, Al-Ce or Al-Ce-Fe polyhydroxocationic solutions. TGADTA analyses indicate a favorable thermal effect (higher thermal stability) when Ce, Fe or Ce-Fe are added. IR and 29Si NMR results reveal a probable formation of a bond between the alumina pillar and the clay (SiO4)-tetrahedral sheet, whereas the 27Al NMR does not evidence any isomorphous substitution of iron or cerium in the alumina pillars. Moreover, by IR spectroscopy was not observed any structural difference between solids pillared with Al and those pillared with Al-Ce, showing that cerium is possibly incorporated in an independent way to the alumina pillar.

Esse trabalho apresenta a caracterização mediante espectroscopia de absorção na região de infravermelho (IV), análise térmica (TGA/DTA) e espectrometria de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN de 29Si yRMNde 27Al) de um conjunto de argilas pilarizadas com soluções polihidroxocatiônicas de Al, Al-Fe, Al-Ce o Al-Ce-Fe. As análises de TGA-DTA indicam um efeito térmico favorável (maior estabilidade térmica) com adição de Ce, Fe o Ce-Fe. Os resultados de IV e de RMN de 29Si revelam uma provável formação de ligação entre o pilar de alumina e a camada tetraédrica de SiO4 da argila, entretanto que RMN de 27Al não apresenta evidencias de substituição isomórfica de Fe ou Ce nos pilares de alumina incorporados. Além de mais, mediante IV não se observam diferencias estruturais entre os sólidos pilarizados com Al e os pilarizados com Al-Ce, indicando que o cério possivelmente incorpora-se de maneira diferente ao pilar de alumina.

Evaluación del ffecto de la impregnación de plaino sobre las características ssuperficiales y estructurales de una zeolita y / Evauation of thee platinum impregnaion effect on the surface and sstructure features of a zeolite y / Avaliação do efeito da impregnação da platina sore as características superficiiais e estruturais de uma zeolita y

El presente artículo muestra la evaluación de los cambios texturales, superficiales y estructurales en una zeolita Y empleada en la síntesis de sólidos a base de platino soportado. Las características estructurales se analizaron mediante difracción de rayos X (DRX), y las propiedades texturales y morfológicas mediante fisiadsorción de nitrógeno a 77K y microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Adicionalmente, se determinó la dimensión fractal y la distribución de potenciales de adsorción para todos los sólidos. Los resultados muestran que el proceso de síntesis induce la formación de microporosidad en los sólidos, conservando la estructura de la zeolita y sin ocasionar alteraciones topográficas o energéticas importantes sobre la superficie del soporte.

The present paper shows the evaluation of texture, surface and structure changes on a zeolite Y employed in the synthesis of solids based on supported platinum. The structure features were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) whereas the texture and morphologic properties were studied from nitrogen adsorption isotherms (77K) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, fractal dimension and adsorption potential distribution were determinedall solids. The results show that the synthesis process induces the microporosity formation, maintaining the zeolite structure and without important topographic or energetic alterations on the surface.

O presente artigo mostra a avaliação das mudanças texturais, superficiais e estruturais em uma zeolita Y empregada na síntese de sólidos na base de platina suportada. As características estruturais foram analisadas mediante difração de raios X (DRX) e as propriedades texturais e morfológicas mediante fisiadsorção de nitrogênio a 77K e microscopia eletrônico de varredura (SEM). Adicionalmente se determinou a dimensão fractal e a distribuição dos potenciais de adsorção para todos os sólidos. Os resultados mostram que o processo da síntese induz a formação da microporosidade, conservando a estrutura da zeolita sem causar alterações topográficas ou energéticas importantes sobre a superfície de suporte.

Caracterizacióneestructural y textural de una bentonita Colombiana / Structural an teextural characterization of a Colombian bentonite / Caracterizaço esstrutural e textural de uma bentonita Colômbiana

En el presente trabajo se caracteriza una arcilla-bentonita colombiana (Valle del Cauca), mediante difracción de rayos X, técnicas espectroscópicas (IR, RMN y EPR) y análisis textural. Los resultados indican que el componente principal en este material natural es una esmectita dioctaédrica (aluminosa). Igualmente, los resultados de RMN de 29Si y de 27Al revelan la substitución isomórfica de Al3+ por Si4+ en la capa tetraédrica. El estudio de EPR evidencia la presencia de hierro (III) ocupando posiciones en la capa octaédrica del mineral de arcilla y formando nanoclusters, posiblemente de óxidos u oxihidróxidos. El análisis textural indica que el material es predominantemente mesoporoso.

In the present work a Colombian bentonite (from Valle del Cauca) was characterized by X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques (IR, NMR and EPR) and textural analysis. The results indicate that dioctahedral (aluminian) smectite is the principal component in the natural material. In addition, both 29Si NMR and 27Al NMR analysis reveal the isomorphous substitution of Al3+ by Si4+ in the tetrahedral sheet. The EPR study shows iron (III) in octahedral sheet positions of the clay mineral besides “nanoclusters” probably in oxides or oxyhydroxides form. The textural analysis indicates that the bentonite is predominantly a mesoporous material.

No presente trabalho caracterizou-se uma argila-bentonita colômbiana (Vale do Cauca), mediante difração de raios X, técnicas espectroscópicas (IV, RMN e EPR) e análise textural. Os resultados indicam que o composto principal neste material natural é uma esmectita dioctaédrica (aluminous). Também os resultados de RMN de 29Si e de 27Al revelam a substituição isomórfica de Al3+ por Si4+ na camada tetraédrica. O estudo de EPR evidência a presença de Ferro (III) ocupando posições na camada octaédrica do mineral de argila e formando nanoclusters, possivelmente de óxidos ou oxihidróxidos. A análise textural indica que o material é predominantemente mesoporoso.