Characterisation of “Dummala” Origin in Sri Lanka by XRF, XRD and FTIR
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Date
2019
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
The term Dummala is a traditional name given to the naturally occurring substance that can be found, either at uppermost crustal levels, mostly under the freshwater swampy areas or as a dried resin like gums from the Dummala tree (Shorea oblongifolia), which is endemic to Sri Lanka. The history of Dummala is dated back to more than 2000 years, where it was used in ayurvedic medication and to make flares in exorcisms and processions. Dummala which is taken out from ground, physically appears as peat-like carbonaceous matter with agglomerated coarse-grained particles. Though, this variety of Dummala is naturally occurring material found in Sri Lanka a firm scientific analysis has not yet been conducted. Therefore, this study aims to characterise the Dummala extracted from the ground, in order to investigate the chemical composition and special properties that might be suitable for the advanced applications. Initially, natural Dummala was dried and 50 g of sample (<53 µm) was obtained by mechanical sieving. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic analysis were conducted to identify the chemical composition. Further, Dummala was characterised with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis for the phase identification and the results showed that this material is partially crystalline. XRF data together with XRD analysis confirmed that Dummala which is taken out from the ground is composed mainly with Magnesium Carbonate, Silica and Sulphur. Further, the present study suggests a carbon content analysis in order to interpret the origin of Dummala.
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Material Sciences, Mineral Sciences