Open AccessSynthesis of Zeolite A from Iraqi Natural Kaolin Using a Conventional Hydrothermal Synthesis Technique
Author(s) -
Ali Mohammed Salih,
Craig M. Williams,
Polla Azad Khanaqa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
ukh journal of science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2520-7792
DOI - 10.25079/ukhjse.v4n2y2020.pp11-23
Subject(s) - zeolite , metakaolin , calcination , thermogravimetric analysis , materials science , hydrothermal circulation , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , scanning electron microscope , hydrothermal synthesis , chemical engineering , sodium hydroxide , nuclear chemistry , mineralogy , chemistry , composite material , fly ash , catalysis , organic chemistry , engineering
The synthesis of zeolite materials by hydrothermal transformation of kaolin using a conventional hydrothermal method was investigated. Different analytical techniques were used to characterize the starting kaolin and produced zeolite A samples, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The synthetic zeolite type A was obtained after activation of kaolin and metakaolin followed by different thermal and chemical treatments. The metakaolinization phase was achieved by calcining the kaolin in air at 600°C for 3 hours, a much lower temperature than previously reported in the literature. Metakaolin was treated with 3 M sodium hydroxide solution at a ratio of 1:5 and, using stainless steel autoclaves with teflon liners, heated the mixture to 200°C in a microwave for 24 hours. The results from this synthesis route showed that zeolite A with a cubic crystal habit has been successfully synthesized.