X-Ray diffraction analysis of mechanically activated natural zeolite

Abstract

In this research, preliminary investigations of the influence of mechanical energy during the milling process on a sample of natural zeolite were performed. Activation was performed in a mill with a ceramic vessel and ceramic balls for 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The XRD method was used to determine the phase composition. The XRD patterns were obtained on a Philips PW- 1710 automated diffractometer using a Cu tube operated at 40 kV and 30 mA. All the XRD measurements were performed at room temperature in a stationary sample holder. Crystallite domain size were calcuclated using SiroQuant v4 software. The mineral composition of the analyzed sample is as follows: clinoptilolite-heulandite zeolite types, smectite/chlorite minerals, quartz, feldspars, mica, and irregularly interstratified clay minerals. Crystallinity degree of all present phases decreases with activation time in comparison to the non-activated sample. Crystallite domain size for diffration maximum (020) of non-activated sample was 533 Å (FWHM 0.240 o), and decreases with acitivation time to 202 Å (FWHM 0.275 o) for sample activated 60 min.