Mechanical activation of synthetic wollastonite (CaSiO3) production

Abstract

In this study, production of synthetic wollastonite (CaO.SiO2 or CaSiO3), one ofv the raw materials of ceramics, was investigated to evaluate the marble waste dusts in marble processing plants. For his purpose, effect of milling of marble waste dusts together with quartz sand under intensive conditions on the production of wollastonite was studied. Dry milling was performed for various periods using jet ball mill, and milled mixture materials were roasted at temperatures of 900°, 1000°, 1100° and 1200°C to react to form CaSiO3. Mainly using the X-ray diffraction method, mineralogical characterisation of all raw materials and products, either unmilled or milled, were carried out along with SEM analysis. The results showed that milling of marble waste dust-quartz sand mixture together and under intensive conditions gives rise to a mechanical activation so as to decrease the wollastonite formation temperature.