Kaolinite structural modifications induced by mechanical activation

This study presents novel characterisation techniques to evaluate the effects of mechanical activation (MA) on the kaolinite structure. MA was achieved with a planetary ball mill at various times and rotation speeds to get different activation degrees. A thermal activation was performed for comparison purposes. The results of X-ray diffraction and selective area electron diffraction demonstrated that the kaolinite content was significantly reduced as the amorphous phase increased. Illite, K-feldspars, and quartz impurities were extensively modified as well. The morphology of kaolinite particles is altered. Furthermore, the mechanical treatments significantly affected the hydroxyls, losing bonding strength with the structure, as stated with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy also revealed that water molecules could be formed due to the reaction of hydroxyls between them or with the atmosphere. This work improves the comprehension of MA on kaolin by clearly confirming with new techniques that the mechanical treatments distort the kaolinite structure.