Diatomic earth: Structure and modification

Abstract

One of the most interesting secondary raw materials within the Kolubara Basin is diatomaceous earth or diatomite, with reserves of 308.670 t in fields B and C. Chemical and mineralogical tests were performed on diatomaceous earth samples. The results of these tests are presented in this paper. Diatomite is a soft sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of cell walls (frustulae) of single-celled algae-diatoms at the bottom of sea and lake basen. Diatom frustules consist of two parts that lie on top of each other and represent a highly porous skeleton of amorphous hydrated silica. Diatom frustule size ranges from 1 μm to 1 mm, usually 10-200 μm.The specific area (SBET (m2/g)) is 47.6. The SEM/EDS, BET and FTIR methods were used for characterization. Based on the presented results, diatomaceous earth can be used in the pharmaceutical, ceramic and food industries.