Thermal stability and mechanical properties of sisal in cycle process

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was the first thermal analysis technique used to qualitatively characterize natural clays and respective curves has been used since more than 60 years as their ‘fingerprint’. With the development of microprocessed equipments in the last decades, derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves also may be used for this purpose in some cases, which also may allow a quantitative characterization of clay components. TG and DTG curves are more indicated than DTA or DSC curves to identify and to better analyze the several decomposition steps of natural or synthetic organoclays. These questions are discussed in applications developed to characterize Brazilian kaolinitic clays, bentonites and organophilic clays.     

Studies on the lime reactivity with thermally activated clay from Jammu region (India)

Clay from Purmandal area of Jammu (J&K State, India) was calcined at various temperatures. The calcined products were subjected to lime reactivity test. The results obtained were correlated with X-ray diffractograms and DTA curves of the raw and calcined samples respectively to explain the pozzolanic activity of the calcined clay.     

Thermal behaviour of sericite clays as precursors of mullite materials

Thermal analysis of some sericite clays, from several deposits in Spain, which are not exploited at this time, has been studied. The samples have been previously characterized by mineralogical and chemical analysis. Sericite clays have interesting properties, with implications in ceramics and advanced materials, in particular concerning the formation of mullite by heating. According to this investigation by differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA-TG), the sericite clay samples can be classified as: Group (I), sericite–kaolinite clays, with high or medium sericite content, characterized by an endothermic DTA peak of dehydroxylation of kaolinite with mass loss, which overlapped with dehydroxylation of sericite, and Group (II), sericite–kaolinite–pyrophyllite clays, with broader endothermic DTA peaks, in which kaolinite is dehydroxylated first and later sericite and pyrophyllite with the main mass loss, appearing the peaks overlapped. X-ray diffraction analysis of the heated sericite clay samples evidenced the decomposition of dehydroxylated sericite and its disappearance at 1050 °C, with formation of mullite, the progressive disappearance of quartz and the formation of amorphous glassy phase. The vitrification temperature is ~ 1250 °C in all these samples, with slight variations in the temperatures of maximum apparent density (2.41–2.52 g mL^?1) in the range 1200–1300 °C. The fine-grained sericite content and the presence of some mineralogical components contribute to the formation of mullite and the increase in the glassy phase by heating. Mullite is the only crystalline phase detected at 1400 °C with good crystallinity. SEM revealed the dense network of rod-shaped and elongated needle-like mullite crystals in the thermally treated samples. These characteristics are advantageous when sericite clays are applied as ceramic raw materials.     

Lime stabilization of clay from the ‘Mirkovo’ deposit

The kinetics of the pozzolanic reactions of illite clay from the ‘Mirkovo’ deposit with lime is studied using X-ray, DTA/TG, optical and electron microscopy methods. In parallel, the compressive strength properties of the specimens, stored under appropriate conditions for up to 6 months, are measured. Illite reacts almost completely with lime for about 3 to 4 months. The reaction of kaolinite takes place slowly and only about 2/3 of its quantity transform for the 6 months storage period. The hardened amorphous hydrosilicates and hydroaluminate are formed through the pozzolanic reactions and contribute to the mechanical properties of the stabilized clay specimens. The maximal compressive strength obtained at the experiments reaches about 5-6 MPa. At the end of the storage period, the formation of fibrous or prismatic crystallites is observed on the surface of the particles.     

Characterization and assessment of Saudi clays raw material at different area

The general characteristics of three types of clays obtained from the different locations in Saudi Arabia have been investigated. These clays were compared with those of pure kaolin samples. Clays were analyzed by DTA, TGA, SEM, X-ray diffraction, chemical composition (XRF) and optical properties. Three clays are white clay (WC), red clay (RC) from Jeddah area and grey clay (GC) from Elmadina area. The comparison made with Spain clay as pure kaoline (KA). The clays contain kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite and quartz. Quartz is present in every class and varies between 45% and 20%. Montmorillonite is found mainly in the WC (50%) and are lacking only in sample RC and GC. Another important aspect with respect to the chemical composition of the clays is the low amounts of Na₂O and K₂O. The clay deposits (WC, RC, and GC) are suitable for use in industrial ceramics due to the low whiteness, high yellowness and high content of impurities as montmorillonite and iron. This is an important technological aspect that renders possible use of clay RC and GC in the fabrication of products with a cream tonality, especially in roofing tiles and rustic floor tiles. The results also, showed that the studied clays have adequate characteristics for ceramics wall, floor, roof tiles, tableware, earthenware and brick fabrication.     

Synthesis and characterization of geopolymer-zeolites from Ghanaian Kaolin samples by variation of two synthesis parameters

Two kaolinitic clays from two Regions of Ghana: Western and Volta Regions, were first calcined at 600 °C for 2 h to transform into the amorphous aluminosilicate phases. The effects of kaolin and alkali ratio as well as aging on the amount and types of zeolite in the resultant geopolymers were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transformed spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and specific surface area measurements. Alkali activation treatment of the metakaolin yielded bulk materials with different amounts and types of zeolite and different particle size distributions. The results showed that initial kaolin samples were dependent on the concentration of alkali treatment and crystallization time during the activation treatment and produced zeolite type A along with quartz which showed no reactivity regardless of the variation of the synthesis parameter.

     

Comparison of surface properties between kaolin and metakaolin in concentrated lime solutions

The surface adsorption of calcium hydroxide onto kaolin and metakaolin was investigated by monitoring with atomic emission spectroscopy and pH measurements the amounts of ions left in solution after exposing clays to calcium hydroxide solutions of various concentrations. Both clays adsorb calcium and hydroxyl ions but differently. Kaolin adsorbs calcium hydroxide not only at the edges of the clay particles but also onto the basal faces. The adsorbed hydrated calcium ions form a layer on the clay particle surfaces, preventing further dissolution of the clay mineral platelet. Metakaolin shows high pozzolanic activity, which provides the quick formation of hydrated phases at the interfaces between metakaolin and lime solutions. The nature of the hydration products has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The most important hydrated phases like CSH (hydrated calcium silicate) and C₂ASH₈ (gehlenite) have been identified.     

DTA and TG studies of paleocene bituminous rocks from EL Iusr oil deposit — Egypt

The organic and mineral composition of selected samples from boreholes P-24, P-27 and P-26 of the oil deposit El Iusr, in the Suez Channel region, were characterized by DTA and TG supplemented by X-ray and luminescence-bituminous studies. It was established that the content of bitumens in sandstones is higher than in clays and their compositions changes with the depth of the borehole. A slight vertical and lateral migration of hydrocarbons in the first clay member of the lateral migration of hydrocarbons in the first clay member of the Iusr article was observed. The content of light hydrocarbons rises with the increase of the proportion of clay minerals. It was found that montmorillonite is more effective in retaining light hydrocarbons than kaolinite.     

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of some aventurine decorative glaze

Thermal and structural properties of three clays (sepiolite and two kaolinites) from Turkey were studied by thermal analysis (TG–DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and surface area measurement techniques The adsorption of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas by these clays was also investigated. SO₂ adsorption values of K1, K2, and S clay samples were measured at 20 °C and pressures up to 106 kPa. Sepiolite sample (S) primarily consists of pure sepiolite, only dolomite present as accompanying mineral. Both kaolinite samples, K1 and K2, mainly contain kaolinite as the major clay mineral and quartz as impurity. In K2 sample, muscovite phase is also present. Simultaneous TG–DTA curves of all clay samples were obtained at three different heating rates 10, 15, and 20 °C min⁻¹ over the temperature range 30–1200 °C. It was found that the retention value of SO₂ by S clay (2.744 mmol/g) was higher than those of K1 (0.144 mmol/g) and K2 (0.164 mmol/g) samples.     

Partially exchanged organophilic bentonites

Using a sodium bentonite (VCNa) as substrate differently exchanged organophilic clays were obtained by reaction with hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) chloride, at increasing reacting ratios (R) from 20 to 120 meq/100 g of clay (VC20–VC120). The sodium bentonite was previously synthesized from a Verde Claro policationic bentonite (VC) from Bravo, Paraiba State, Brazil. From the thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses of these clays on calcined mass basis and from TG and DTG curves data of VCNa clay, a method was developed to estimate the mass fraction of the exchanged cation present in each organophilic clay (M _org), as a function of R. When all sodium cations of VCNa are exchanged by HDTMA, the obtained organophilic clay presents a maximum value for M _org. From this value and TG and DTG curves data of VC and VCNa clays, the cation exchange capacity of the original VC bentonite can be estimated.     

Thermal behavior and immersion heats of selected clays from Turkey

Four clays (two bentonites and two kaolinites) from Turkey were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/TG-DSC) and surface area measurement techniques. Mineralogically bentonite samples were characterized low concentration of montmorillonite and high level of impurities. Both kaolinite samples mainly contained kaolinite and quartz as major mineral. TG-DTA curves of all clay samples were measured in the temperature range 30–1200 °C. The total % weight losses for the bentonite samples (B1 and B2) and the kaolinite samples (K1 and K2) were determined as 14.50, 13.42, 5.55 and 11.85%, respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) analyses of samples were carried out by heating the samples from 30 to 550 °C. The immersion heats of clay samples were measured using with a Calvet-type C-80 calorimeter. The higher exothermic Q_imm values were determined for bentonite samples compared to kaolinite samples.     

Thermal characterization of the clay binder of heritage Sydney sandstones

Thermal analysis has been employed in a study of the degradation of heritage Sydney sandstone used in St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. TG and DSC have been used to characterise the clay components removed from weathered and unweathered sandstone. Two types of kaolin clays — kaolinite and its polymorph, dickite — have been identified. A higher amount of dickite present in the clay of weathered sandstone indicates that a kaolinite-to-dickite transformation occurs upon weathering. XRD hot stage analysis was also used to demonstrate the presence of a more thermally stable polymorph of the kaolinite.     

Physico-chemical behaviour of hydrated aluminium oxides and associated clay minerals occurring around Pipra,district Sidhi,India

DTA techniques were employed to study the thermal and structural characteristics of hydrated aluminium oxides and aluminous clays of the Pipra pelitic rocks from district Sidhi, India. Detailed microscopic investigations, X-ray and chemical analyses reveal that these clays were derived by the localized weathering of arkosic metasediments. The chemical and normative behaviours have confirmed their formation by the isochemical metamorphism of arkose, aided by a little granitization and followed by minor retrogression. A tentative correlation between the thermal and structural changes of these oxides and clay minerals at various transition temperatures has nicely displayed the presence of kaolinite, diaspore and gibbsite. The exothermic curves of kaolinite confirm the recrystallization. The presence of kaolinite in the clay fractions indicates the detrital origin.     

Thermo-programmed reduction study of Pt/WO<Subscript>x</Subscript>–ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> materials by thermogravimetry

The thermo-programmed reduction study of Pt/WO_x–ZrO₂ materials prepared with different tungsten loading were performed by thermogravimetry. The samples were synthesized by impregnation method and calcined at 600, 700 and 800°C. The characterizations of both un-calcined and calcined materials were carried out using different techniques: thermal analysis (TG and DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo-programmed reduction (TPR). TG and DTA analysis of un-calcined were used to determination of calcination temperatures of the samples. XRD diffractograms were useful to help us in the determination of phase presents. TPR profiles showed between three and four events at different temperatures attributed to platinum reduction and the different stages of tungsten specie reduction.     

Characterization and pozzolanic activity of thermally treated zeolite

Summary The pozzolanic reactivity of thermally treated zeolites was studied on the basis of the Chapelle test combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The raw zeolite samples are from the Pentalofos area, Thrace, NE Greece. Their main mineral constituent is 'heulandite type-II', an intermediate type of the heulandite-clinoptilolite isomorphous series. Calcination of the samples was carried out up to 400, 500, 600, 700 and 1000°C for 15 h. The changes were recorded using the above methods. The deformation of the zeolite crystal lattice starts at about 400°C and proceeds as the temperature of thermal treatment rises. The thermal treatment of zeolite at 400°C improves its pozzolanic reactivity and accelerates the reaction with Ca(OH)₂.     

Physico-chemical study of selected surfactant-clay mineral systems

A physicochemical study of the systems formed by the clay minerals, montmorillonite and kaolinite (layered) and sepiolite (non-layered) and the surfactants Triton X-100 (TX100, non-ionic), dodecyl sodium sulfate (SDS, anionic) and trimethyloctadecyl-ammonium bromide (ODTMA, cationic), with different chemical structure, was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). TG/DTA results indicated an increase in the thermal stabilization of non-ionic (TX100) and cationic (ODTMA) surfactants adsorbed by all clay minerals in relation to pure compounds. This effect was greater in montmorillonite and sepiolite than in kaolinite owing to these minerals must allow the establishment of a stronger bond with the surfactants as indicated by XRD and FTIR results. Differences in decomposition of anionic surfactant SDS are not emphasized due to the low adsorbed amount of this surfactant by all systems. The results obtained indicate the interest of taking into account the structure of surfactant and the clay mineral type when preparing customized surfactant-clay mineral systems which contribute to establish more efficient soil and water remediation strategies based in the use of these systems.     

Application of thermal analysis for the characterisation of intercalated and grafted organo-kaolinite nanohybrid materials

Nanohybrid materials resulting from the intercalation of ionic liquids or from the grafting of aminoalcohols into the interlayer space of kaolinite pre-intercalated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were successfully synthesized. Thermal analysis (TG and DTA) data, coupled with X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, and ¹³C MAS-NMR spectroscopic analysis, as well as with hydrolysis reactions, were used for qualitative and quantitative characterisations. In the case of intercalated nanohybrid materials obtained by insertion of ionic liquids and of ethanolamine into the interlayer spaces of kaolinite upon displacement of DMSO, no major changes in the dehydroxylation temperature of the layer sheets could be observed. The stoichiometry of the intercalated organo-kaolinite materials was obtained from several independent measurements (TG, CHN) and theoretical calculation (THM). They were in good agreement. Grafted nanohybrid materials resulting from the formation of a covalent bond between the hydroxyl groups of diethanolamine and triethanolamine and the internal surfaces aluminol groups of kaolinite exhibited a significantly lower dehydroxylation temperature. A combined approach of hydrolysis reactions and TG analysis allows an unambiguous distinction between grafted and intercalated organo-kaolinite nanohybrid materials.     

Minerological studies on five plastic fire clays

Mineralogical studies on five plastic fire clays of India have been carried out by DTA, TG and electron microscopy. Studies were done on both as received and <1 fraction of clays. Results indicated that all the clays were predominantly kaolinite in nature and showed the main endothermic peak between 540° and 590°C and the exothermic peak between 920° and 985°C. A large exothermic peak at 810°C and a weight loss of 5.35% between 700° and 900°C in case of Barachatarma clay indicated the presence of graphitic carbon in the same. Both Neyveli and Badampahar clays contained illite and goethite. Electron micrographs of Mohuamilan and Neyveli clays showed hexagonal flakes of well-ordered kaolinite. Some tubular particles were seen in Chittorpur, Neyveli and Badampahar clays in addition to the kaolinite particles.The authors are thankful to Dr. B. K. Sarkar, director of the Institute for his kind permission to publish this paper.     

Differential thermal study of Mg-bearing clays from saline lakes of Southern Tunisia

Clays high in Mg content occur frequently in the high saline environment of salt lakes in southern Tunisia. The DTA curves of these clays show a striking endothermic-exothermic reaction in the temperature range of 800–820°C. A strong correlation is observed between the intensity of these coupled reactions and the Mg content of the initial clay sample. The initial endothermic reaction is interpreted as the melting/dehydroxylation of the Mg-bearing smectites. The subsequent exothermic peak is interpreted as caused by the crystallisation of the new Mg-silicate phase enstatite. Therefore, the DTA is considered as a suitable method for the identification and relative quantification of high Mg clay minerals (e.g. trioctahedral smectites). Variations of the Mg content of the studied samples were well detectable by means of DTA, disclosing a distinct distribution pattern of the salt lake clays. Clues to bulk chemical composition of the initial clay assemblage can also be found in the results of the X-ray analysis of the firing products.     

Toluene and naphthalene sorption by iron oxide/clay composites

Commercial bentonite (BFN) and organoclay (WS35), as well as iron oxide/clay composite (Mag_BFN) and iron/oxide organoclay composite (Mag_S35) were prepared for toluene and naphthalene sorption. Mag_BFN and Mag_S35 were obtained, respectively, by the precipitation of iron oxide hydrates onto sodium BFN and S35 clay particles. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and TG and DTA. From XRF results and TG data on calcined mass basis, a quantitative method was developed to estimate the iron compound contents of the composites, as well as the organic matter content present in WS35 and Mag_S35.