Synthesis of Feldspar Nanoparticles by Top Down Approach
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Date
2018
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Feldspars are group of rock forming tectosilicates that found as deposits mainly in
central part of Sri Lanka such as Owala Rattota and Matale. Feldspars are used for
the industrial purposes such as, ceramic tiles, glazes, glass industry, filler, welding
electrodes and abrasives, due to their durability and resistance to chemical corrosion
in the macrometer-range. However to the best of our knowledge, there is no
reported studies related to synthesis of feldspar nanoparticles which have potential
applications in different industrial applications. Usually, materials show different
properties in nanometer scale such a thermally stability and Infrared Radiation
Absorbance. In this study, we have synthesized nanoparticles of feldspar using a top
down approach. Sri Lankan feldspar samples were collected, powdered up to micro
meter range using ball mill and further reduced its particle size following two step
process of nano-grinding, such that dry grinding and wet grinding using 0.6 mm
tungsten carbide balls for 1 h each. The prepared particles were characterized by
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X- ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction
(XRD) show that the product feldspar samples are composed of mainly of
pottassium oxides and silica oxides with minor aluminium. The particle sizes are in
the range of nanometer scale and the average particle size is around 50 nm. The
composition of these nanoparticles are proved not to be changing from the original
composition as the XRD and FT-IR suggests. When coming down into nanoscale
from a higher particle size, some property enhancements can be acquired. Typically,
feldspar reflects UV light and absorbs some IR wavelengths. So this property can be
applied as a potential application for textile and construction industries using the
properties of these nano-feldspar.
Keywords: Feldspar, Infrared radiation reflectance, Top down approach, Orthoclase, Filler
Description
Keywords
Materials Sciences, Mineral Sciences