Register for free to
view the full innovation profile.
Adding Value to Aluminosilicate Minerals using a Novel Green Low Temperature Activation Strategy
About
The innovation consists of a novel method to activate and depolymerise silicate/aluminosilicate minerals (such as kaolin, basalt, grey wacke, sandstone and natural zeolite rock) using low temperatures. The depolymerisation process enables the softening of the mineral for the production of fine particle sized powder. Currently in the initial patent and prototype stage, the process has been demonstrated for the depolymerisation of natural zeolite to produce small particle sized powder (1 um to 300 nm) and sodium silicate. The process is currently being expanded for use on other aluminosilicates such as kaolin. The fine sized powder predominantly consists of sodium silicate and amorphous material which could be suitable for fired clay and/or building materials.
Key Benefits
Key benefits are summarised below: * Low environmental footprint (from low temperature and use of chemical reagents) * Adds value to low grade silicate/aluminosilicate minerals * Demonstrated to produce small particle size powder from low-grade natural zeolite rock * Demonstrated conversion of natural zeolite rock sodium silicate without the use of calcination (usually 1,300 degC) Note: * Initial research has shown that kaolin may not require pre-calcination when used as a precursor
Applications
Applications of the Process are diverse ranging from the activation of aluminosilicates for zeolite precursors, to the depolymerisation of minerals for other value-added applications.