  Reconstructive transformations in layered silicates need a high tem- perature
in order to be observed. However, very recently, some systems have been found
where transformation can be studied at temperatures 600 C below the lowest
experimental results previously reported, including sol-gel methods. We explore
the possible relation with the existence of intrinsic localized modes, known as
discrete breathers. We construct a model for nonlinear vibrations within the
cation layer, obtain their parameters and calculate them numerically, obtaining
their energies. Their statistics shows that although there are far less
breathers than phonons, there are much more above the activation energy, being
therefore a good candidate to explain the reconstructive transformations at low
temperature.
