Conversion of Kaolin to Zeolite Thermal

Abstract

In this research preparation of zeolite from a locally available kaolin has been studied. Two steps were involved in the conversion of kaolin to zeolite (1) thermal activation of the kaolin to get a dehydroxylated product called metakaolin (metakaolinisation) and (2) hydrothermal reaction (zeolitisation) of metakaolin in alkaline medium in the presence of additional silica to crystallise the zeolite. The metakaolinisation temperature (800°C) is found to have an important role in determining the type of zeolite formed during the hydrothermal reaction. Zeolite was obtained from kaolin under hydrothermal preparation. The obtained products were characterized using different analytical techniques x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-raydiffraction XRD), IR spectrometery. XRF was used to estimate the percentage or content of silica and alumina in the kaolin before use in the preparation of zeolite, the obtained data from XRD and IR spectrum agreed well with expected characteristic peaks of zeolite.