Effect of Crystallisation Time on the Synthesis of Zeolite Y from Elefun Kaolinite Clay

摘要

In this study, the effect of crystallization time on the synthesis of zeolite Y from Elefun kaolinite clay was investigated. During the synthesis of zeolite Y, the raw Elefun kaolinite clay was beneficiated thoroughly with water for 7 days before it was calcined at a 850°C for 6 hours to thermally convert it to metakaolin. Dealumination of the metakaolin was then carried out using the novel method to achieve a target SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ratio of 6.5. A hydrogel solution was prepared by mixing the dealuminated metakaolin with sodium hydroxide and water in calculated proportions. The mixture was heated to a temperature of 95°C between a time range of 12 to 60 hours. The crystallized product was then washed thoroughly with deionized water and then dried. Analysis was carried out on the dried product sample using two different characterization techniques; X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluoresense (XRF). The results from the analysis indicated the formation of zeolite Y from Elefun Kaolinite clay and the maximum crystallization time obtained for the synthesis of zeolite Y from Elefun Kaolinite clay at 95°C was 48 hours.