A. Singer & E. Galan (Editors). Palygorskite-Sepiolite: Occurrence, Genesis and Uses (Developments in Sedimentology, 37). Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., Amsterdam and New York, 1984. viii + 352 pp. Price US$53.75 (Dfl. 140.00). - Volume 20 Issue 2
Abstract The thermal decomposition of caledonite has been examined by simultaneous differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry. Structural H 2 O and CO 2 are liberated endothermically between 300 and 400°C leaving a residue of lead sulphate, oxysulphate, and Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxides. A series of sharp endothermic peaks between 850 and 950°C correspond to phase transition and melting reactions of the PbO-PbSO 4 mixture. The sulphate anion breaks down above 880 °C. Mass spectra of the gaseous decomposition products show SO 2 , SO, and O 2 , although SO is an artefact arising from ion fragmentation of the SO 2 within the mass spectrometer. The residue at 1060 °C is composed predominantly of 2PbO · PbSO 4 and Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxides.
Although Thermal Analysis is a useful technique in characterizing the clay constituent of a potentially valuable clay deposit, it is, perhaps, even more useful when the type and amount of non-clay impurities are important factors in its commercial appraisal. The effect of impurities on the physical and chemical properties of the clay may determine its potential uses in bulk, or it may be advisable to remove the impurity, either to improve the grade and quality of the clay or to provide a useful by-product. The application of both qualitative and quantitative thermal data, in the analysis and control of laboratory work in this field, is demonstrated by its use in the assessment of materials such as evaporite-rich clays, siliceous clays, and high-alumina clays.
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