Habit modification of calcium carbonate in the presence of malic acid

The ability of malic acid to control calcium carbonate morphology has been investigated by aging calcium chloride solution in the presence of urea in a 90 °C bath. Malic acid favors the formation of calcite. A transition from single block to aggregate with special morphology occurs upon increasing malic acid concentration. The morphological development of CaCO₃ crystal obviously depends on the starting pH. CaCO₃ crystal grows from spindle seed to dumbbell in the pH regime from 7 to 11; while it evolves from spindle seed, through peanut, to sphere at pH=11.5. Both dumbbell and sphere consist of rods that are elongated along c-axis and capped with three smooth, well-defined rhombic {1 0 4} faces. A tentative growth mechanism is proposed based on the fractal model suggested by R. Kniep and S. Busch [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 35 (1996) 2624].     

氢化物发生原子吸收法测定高纯度碳酸钙中铅

采用氢化物发生原子吸收光谱法测定了高纯度天然碳酸钙中低浓度铅.结果表明,在还原剂KBH4浓度为15 g/L,载液HCl体积分数1%,铅标准曲线线性范围1～20 μg/L(γ=0.9990),试样溶液加入总盐酸量＜3%的条件下可获得满意结果,RSD小于5.9%,加标回收率在96.0%～104.8%之间.高浓度钙离子对测定无影响.     

Direct sulfation reaction of SO2 with calcium carbonate

The direct sulfation reaction of SO₂ with CaCO₃ has been investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) under the condition that the CaCO₃ does not decompose to CaO prior to sulfation by controlling CO₂ partial pressure. The direct sulfation process can be described by using a shrinking-core model for constant particle size. The model shows that the reaction rate and the diffusion rate of SO₂ through the product layer are equally important. Temperature effects can be correlated by the activation energy of 35.9 kJ mol⁻¹ for the sulfation reaction and 66.5 kJ mol⁻¹ for the product layer diffusion. The sulfation reaction is found to be first order with respect to SO₂. With larger pore volume and surface area of limestone samples, the sorbents have a stronger reactivity of SO₂ removal. A 70% CaCO₃ conversion can be achieved in 10 min at 800°C and 2000 ppm SO₂.     

Flocculation kinetics of precipitated calcium carbonate

When the percentage of filler in paper is increased, the optical properties are improved and the production cost lowered. However, fillers weaken paper strength by decreasing the fibre–fibre bonded area. Little is known about the optimum filler floc size or filler floc properties to allow developing optimum paper characteristics. Consequently, the kinetics of aggregation of scalenohedral precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) filler was studied using various polymers (flocculants, coagulants and dry strength agents). The sodium salt of partially hydrolysed polyvinyl formamide copolymerized with acrylic acid (PVFA/NaAA) or C-starch lead to floc sizes, less sensitive to dosage within a certain range. Results from stability ratios correlate with PCC particle size. The change in particle size measured by photometric dispersion analysis (PDA) correlates well with the change in PCC particle size measured by light scattering/diffraction. Kinetic calculations show the orthokinetic aggregation times to be consistent with the experimental PDA results. The main uncertainty in the orthokinetic times is estimating the effective shear rate. It is proposed that the bridging surface area of PCC particles, the area which can form bonds between PCC particles or aggregates, should be used to study the kinetics of PCC aggregation, and not the total or projected surface area. In polymer induced aggregation, the PCC particle size increases to a plateau value with increasing polymer dosage. Two regions are most pronounced for C-PAM, PVFA/NaAA and A-starch. Region I corresponds to bridging flocculation. Region II is where the particle size reaches a plateau, and not the expected maximum predicted by classical polymer bridging theory or charge neutralisation theory, likely because of a competition between particle aggregation and polymer adsorption.     

Quantitative analysis of synthetic calcium carbonate polymorphs using FT-IR spectroscopy

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used successfully for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of calcium carbonate phases (calcite, aragonite, vaterite) in ternary mixtures. From the FT-IR spectra of pure calcite, aragonite and vaterite powders with KBr, the absorptivities, α, of the absorption bands at 713 cm⁻¹ for calcite, 745 cm⁻¹ for vaterite, 713 and 700 cm⁻¹ for aragonite, were determined. In order to overcome the absorption band overlapping a set of equations based on Beer's law was developed. The detection limits were also established and found to be 1.1×10⁻⁴ mg calcite per mm² of pellet at 713 cm⁻¹, 3.6×10⁻⁴ mg aragonite per mm² of pellet at 700 cm⁻¹, 1.8×10⁻⁴ mg aragonite per mm² of pellet at 713 cm⁻¹ and 3.1×10⁻⁴ mg vaterite per mm² of pellet at 745 cm⁻¹. Analysis of a known ternary mixture of calcium carbonate polymorphs tested the validity of the method.     

Formation of calcium carbonate films on chitosan substrates in the presence of polyacrylic acid

In this investigation, chitosan membranes with different surface average degrees of deacetylation (DA) are prepared and then are employed as the support matrix to culture calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). In the presence of high concentration of polyacrylic acid (PAA), the CaCO₃ films obtained on the surface of all chitosan films mainly consisted of vaterite, which suggests the presence of bulk PAA plays an overwhelming part in stabilizing the vaterite. As a comparison, the influences of active groups indicate that only in case of low concentration PAA the thin CaCO₃ films grown on chitosan with 8% DA mainly consisted of vaterite owing to the strong nucleation ability of -NH₂ group, whereas, for those grown on chitosan with 80% DA the CaCO₃ films mainly consisted of aragonite. A more complex scenario revealed that in the case of intermediate concentration of PAA the formed polymorphs behave as mixtures of vaterite and aragonite.     

Influence of SDS on particle size and adhesion of precipitating calcium carbonate

The effect of different amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and time of their addition to the system on the properties of calcium carbonate precipitated from aqueous solutions of CaCl₂ and Na₂CO₃ were studied. From statistical evaluation it was found that average number of the particles deposited on glass surface and, average and total surface area they occupy depend on the amount of the surfactant and time of its addition. Only if the surfactant was added to the system just after the CaCl₂ and Na₂CO₃ solutions mixing up, a decrease of these parameters took place, the greatest in the presence of 0.42 μmol of SDS. On the contrary, if SDS solution was added after 3 min, it caused an increase of the average and total surface area occupied by the CaCO₃ particles, while the average number of particles changed only within standard deviation. From the obtained results it may be concluded that SDS can affect both nucleation and crystal growth of CaCO₃, but its nature depends on the surfactant amount and time of its addition to the system.     

Preparation and properties of gluten/calcium carbonate composites

Environment friendly thermosetting composites were prepared by blending wheat gluten （WG） as matrix, calcium carbonate （CaCO3） as filler and glycerol as plasticizer followed by compression molding the mixture at 120 ℃ to crosslink the WG matrix. Morphology observation showed that the CaCO3 particles were finely dispersed in matrix. Incorporation of CaCO3 up to 10 wt% into the composites caused Young＇s modulus and tensile strength to increase markedly. On the other hand, the moisture absorption and elongation at break decreased slightly.     

Characterization,by inverse gas chromatography,of the surface properties of calcium carbonate before and after treatment with stearic acid

Summary The interaction of n-alkanes with stearyl chains chemically fixed on the surface of calcite particles is investigated using inverse gas chromatography. Free enthalpy, enthalpy, entropy of adsorption and dispersive component of the surface free energy are determined. Untreated and stearic acid treated calcites have comparable affinities for the alkanes. However, the differences in adsorption entropies point to different interaction mechanisms: gas-solid adsorption for the untreated calcite and gasliquid interactions for the modified sample. Furthermore, for long chains probes, having more than 8 carbon atoms, the loss in entropy is smaller than for shorter chains. Possibly, long chains are only partially inserted in between the stearyl grafts, thus keeping a higher degree of freedom.     

Investigation of scale inhibition mechanisms based on the effect of scale inhibitor on calcium carbonate crystal forms

To probe the scale inhibition mechanisms,calcium carbonate scale occurring before and after the ad- dition of scale inhibitors was collected.The results from scale SEM confirm that,without scale inhibitor, calcium carbonate scale shows rhombohedron and hexagon,which are the characteristic feathers of calcite.After addition of inhibitors,morphology of scale is changed,and the more efficient the scale inhibitor is,the more greatly the morphology is modified.To elucidate the scale constitute,they were further analyzed by FT-IR,XRD.Besides calcite,vaterite and aragonite occur in calcium carbonate scale after addition of inhibitors,and the higher scale inhibition efficiency is,the more vaterite presents in scale.It can be concluded that the alteration of morphology is ascribed to the change of crystal form. There are three stages in the crystallizing process including occurrence and disappearing of unstable phase,occurrence and disappearing of metastable phase,development of stable phase.Without scale inhibitors,metastable phases usually transform into stable phase,thus the main constitute of formed scale is calcite.When scale inhibitors are added,both formation and transformation of metastable phases are inhibited,which results in the occurrence of aragonite and vaterite.From the fact that more vaterite presents in scale with a more efficient scale inhibitor added,we can see that the function of scale inhibitor is realized mainly by controlling the crystallizing process at the second stage.     

Crystal growth of CaCO3 induced by monomethylitaconate grafted polymethylsiloxane

We report the preparation of a new monomethylitaconate grafted polymethylsiloxane (CO₂H-PMS) copolymer and its effect as template for crystal growth of CaCO₃. The in vitro crystallization of CaCO₃ was carried out using the gas diffusion method at different pH values at room temperature for 24 h. The CO₂H-PMS was prepared using polydimethylsiloxane-co-methylhydrogensiloxane (PDMS-co-PHMS), obtained through cationic ring opening polymerization, from cyclic monomers and monomethyltaconate (MMI) via hydrosilylation reactions with platinum complex as catalyst. FTIR results are in an agreement with the proposed template structure and confirmed that the hydrosilylation was complete. Experimental results from pH values and SEM analysis showed that the carboxylate groups of CO₂H-PMS alter the nucleation, growth and morphology of CaCO₃ crystals. SEM revealed single-truncated (ca. 5 μm) modified at pH 7-9, aggregated-modified (ca. 20 μm) at pH 10-11, and donut-shaped crystals at pH 12. These morphologies reflect the electrostatic interaction of carboxylic moieties with Ca²⁺ modulated by CO₂H-PMS adsorbed onto the CaCO₃ particles. EDS confirmed the presence of Si atoms on the crystals surface. XRD analysis showed the existence of only two polymorphs: calcite and vaterite revealing a selective control of CaCO₃ polymorphisms. In summary, the use of grafted polymethylsiloxane template offer a good alternative for polymer controlled crystallization and a convenient approach for understanding the biomineralization process useful for the design of novel materials.     

Absorption behavior of vinyl chloride/calcium carbonate and pressure/temperature/conversion relationship for vinyl chloride suspension polymerization in the presence of calcium carbonate

The absorption of vinyl chloride (VC) on surface-treated light-grade and nano-scale calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and VC suspension polymerization in the presence of CaCO₃ were carried out in a 5 L autoclave. It showed that the absorption of VC on CaCO₃ increased with the partial pressure of VC up to a critical point. Nano-scale CaCO₃ was more effective in absorbing VC than light-grade CaCO₃ at the same temperature and partial pressure of VC due to its greater surface area. The absorption behavior of VC/CaCO₃ follows Langmuir isothermal equation. In view of the absorption of VC on CaCO₃, Xie’s model [J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 34 (1987) 1749] was modified to relate pressure, temperature, the amount of CaCO₃ and conversion for VC suspension polymerization in the presence of CaCO₃. The model simulation showed that VC conversions at the pressure drop point and at a certain pressure drop decreased with the increase of the amount of added CaCO₃, and the influence of nano-scale CaCO₃ was greater than that of light-grade CaCO₃. The simulated VC conversions fitted well with that obtained from VC suspension polymerizations in the presence of different amounts of light-grade or nano-scale CaCO₃.     

Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules by in situ polymerization on the surface of calcium carbonate particles

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microcapsules were prepared by the in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide on the surface of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) particles, followed by the dissolution of the CaCO₃ core in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution. The microcapsules were characterized using fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The average sizes of the CaCO₃ particles and PMMA capsules were 3.8 ± 0.6 and 4.0 ± 0.6 μm, respectively. A copolymer consisting of MMA and rhodamine B-bearing MMA was also used to prepare microcapsules for fluorescent microscopy observations. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin was enclosed in the PMMA microcapsules and its release properties were studied.     

Alginate hydrogel-mediated crystallization of calcium carbonate

We documented a specific method for combining calcium ions and alginate molecules slowly and continuously in the mineralization system for the purpose of understanding the mediating function of alginate on the crystallization of calcium carbonate. The alginate was involved in the nucleation and the growth process of CaCO₃. The crystal size, morphology and roughness of crystal surface were significantly influenced by the type of the alginate, which could be accounted for by the length of the G blocks in alginate. A combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that there were the chemical interactions between the alginate and the mineral phase. This strategic approach revealed the biologically controlled CaCO₃ mineralization within calcium alginate hydrogels via the selective nucleation and the confined crystallization of CaCO₃. The results presented here could contribute to the understanding of the mineralization process in hydrogel systems.     

Inhibition of the crystal growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate by elemental selenium nanoparticles

Chemical modulation of calcium oxalate (CaC₂O₄) crystals morphologies by elemental selenium nanoparticles (nanoSe⁰) was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The coordination between nanoSe⁰ and C₂O₄²⁻ had great effect on the formation of CaC₂O₄ crystals. NanoSe⁰ inhibited the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals, prevented the aggregation of COM crystals and induced the formation of the spherical calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals containing selenium, which are the thermodynamically less stable phase and has a weaker affinity to the cell membranes than COM crystals. The inhibition of the crystal growth and aggregation of CaC₂O₄ crystals by nanoSe⁰ displayed concentration effects.     

Effect of agar hydrogel and magnesium ions on the biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate

Here, agar hydrogel was selected as diffusion medium and template to control the biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Due to three dimensional network structures and abundant functional groups (such as, hydroxyl groups), Ca²⁺ ions were uniformly distributed in the network and electrostatically attracted. The diffusion speed and range of CO₃^2? ions were mediated by the concentration of hydrogel medium. Under the synergistic effect of Mg²⁺ ions, the crystal CaCO₃ was induced by gas phase diffusion method in the hydrogel system. The results showed that the concentrations of Mg²⁺ ions and agar hydrogel had no obvious effect on the calcite phase of CaCO₃, but the morphologies and sizes changed with concentrations of medium and Mg²⁺ ions. Attribute to template effect, the crystallization behavior and growth rate of CaCO₃ crystals were regulated. Since Mg²⁺ ions were easily adsorbed on the surfaces of unit cell, the unique structure of CaCO₃ was precisely controlled. This study provides a useful reference and inspiration for the understandings of the contributions of ion supply rate in bio-mineralization and hydrogel medium in biomimetic mineralization.     

On the formation of calcium carbonate thin films under Langmuir monolayers of stearic acid

In this publication, we describe the growth of thin films of calcium carbonate beneath Langmuir monolayers of stearic acid. The size and shape of the crystalline structures were systematically studied by means of different microscopic techniques including Brewster angle microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In a series of experiments, we explored the calcium carbonate crystallization process for different lipid monolayers and subphases. The observed phenomena support a crystallization process which is induced by a thin, film-like structure of a precursor phase. The basic processes of crystal and aggregate formation can be represented by a simple model which is based on electrostatic interactions between the surfactant film and the inorganic calcium carbonate structures.     

The influence of matrix crystallinity,filler grain size and modification on properties of PLA/calcium carbonate composites

Thermal and mechanical properties of polylactide (PLA) composites with different grades of calcium carbonate, 40 nm and 90 nm nanoparticles, and also with submicron particles, unmodified and modified with calcium stearate or stearic acid, obtained by melt mixing, were compared. Films with amorphous and crystalline matrices were prepared and examined.T_g of PLA in the composites remained unaffected whereas its cold crystallization was enhanced by the fillers and predominantly depended on filler content. Filling decreased thermal stability of the materials but their 5% weight loss temperatures well exceeded 250 °C, evidencing stability in the temperature range of PLA processing. The amorphous nanocomposites with modified nanoparticles exhibited improved drawability and toughness without a significant decrease of tensile strength; nearly two-fold increase of the elongation at break and tensile toughness was achieved at 5 wt% content of the modified nanofiller. Lack of surface modification of the filler, larger grain size with an average of 0.9 μm, and matrix crystallinity had a detrimental effect on the drawability. However, the presence of nanofillers and crystallinity improved tensile modulus of the materials by up to 15% compared to neat amorphous PLA.     

Synthesis of 1,3-dialkylurea from ethylene carbonate and amine using calcium oxide

Several basic metal oxide catalysts were tested for the synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted urea from ethylene carbonate (EC) and amine. Among the catalysts used, CaO has been found to be an excellent recyclable catalyst for the reaction. It has been suggested that strongly basic property of CaO results in its high activity. Disubstituted ureas are obtained from propylamine and butylamine with high yields at 100 °C. Slightly higher reaction temperatures are necessary for obtaining good yields from amines having larger molecular weights and urea is not produced from dibutylamine as a secondary amine. Propylene carbonate can be used instead of EC for the reaction. A reaction mechanism was proposed, which involves reaction between EC and amine giving a carbamate followed by catalytic reaction between the carbamate and amine, yielding 1,3-disubstituted urea. It is suggested that the latter reaction is the rate-determining step. On the basis of this reaction mechanism, the synthesis of unsymmetric urea was also examined. 2-Hydroxyethyl butylcarbamate is selectively produced from EC with butylamine in the absence of the catalyst at a low temperature and reacts with benzylamine producing 1-butyl-3-benzylurea along with symmetric dialkyl ureas.     

Small angle neutron scattering studies on nonaqueous dispersions of calcium carbonate Part 2. Determination of the form factor for concentric spheres

Colloidal dispersions of calcium carbonate, stabilised primarily by a surface active agent, in both toluene and dodecane have been examined by small angle neutron scattering. A model has been developed to simulate the scattering behaviour of the particles and is based on the idea of a concentric sphere with a homogeneous layer of adsorbed material surrounding a core particle. Computations based on the model show a wide variation of scattering behaviour with variation of the coherent scattering length of the dispersion medium. These predictions were confirmed by experiment. A method is described for analysis of the experimental data which leads to a determination of the thickness of the adsorbed layer, the radius of the core particle and the standard deviation of core particle radius.