Spectroscopy analysis of activated sodium carbonate

Abstract

Mechanical activation of materials leads to qualitative changes in material structure. These changes can include the accumulation of energy in the form of weakening bonds in the crystal, disruption of the crystal lattice, agglomeration, and in some cases even the synthesis of a completely new substance. In this study, anhydrous sodium carbonate was mechanically activated for 28 minutes in a vibro mill at a frequency of 3000 oscillations per minute. After activation, the changes occurring in the activated material were monitored. The samples were placed in the atmosphere of air at room conditions for 31 days (relaxation period). It was observed that during the relaxation period moisture and carbon dioxide were absorbed by the activated sodium carbonate in form of hemisorption, forming sodium bicarbonate. The transformation mechanism was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a function of relaxation time. Characteristic groups were monitored: CO32-, HCO3- and OH-.