Alteration of imogolite by dry grinding

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of dry grinding on the structure, morphology and properties of imogolite have been investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction analysis, IR, DTA, and measurements of CEC and specific surface area. Imogolite is very susceptible to alteration by grinding compared to layer silicate minerals such as halloysite, kaolinite and montmorillonite. In the earlier stages of grinding, the parallel array of imogolite tubular structure units is markedly disturbed. On further grinding, disruption of Si-O-Al linkages, polymerization of the silica component released and loss of structural OH groups proceed simultaneously, these changes eventually resulting in complete breakdown of the structure. Ground imogolite is reaggregated finally into granular particles of irregular shape. All these changes are associated with a decrease in water holding capacity, CEC and specific surface area.