This thesis explores the dispersion stability, microstructure and phase transitions involved in the nanoclay system.It describes the recently discovered formation of colloidal gels via two routes: the first is through phase separation and second is by equilibrium gelation and includes the first reported experimental observation of a system with high aspect ratio nanodiscs. The phase behavior of anisotropic nanodiscs of different aspect ratio in their individual and mixed states in aqueous and hydrophobic mediais investigated. Distinct phase separation, equilibrium fluid and equilibrium gel...

Recognized as an outstanding contribution to the field, this thesis is a comprehensive exploration of physical phenomena in nano clay systems. It features the author's data on the first experimental observation of a system with high aspect ratio nanodiscs.