Abstract
The effects of raw material feeding procedures and gelation temperatures on zeolite synthesis are investigated. Thus, the synthesis of zeolite 4A from sodium aluminate and sodium silicate solutions is chosen as a model reaction, for which equi-molar hydrogelation is performed with variation of feeding procedures and gelation temperatures. The formation of crystal nuclei, often being referred to as precursors, is induced under different conditions, the variation being examined by means of viscosity and water contents. The final products of zeolite 4A are evaluated by XRD, SEM morphology, particle size analysis and cation exchange capacity. Evidence shows that the viscosity of the initial products and their water contents are markedly influenced by the feeding methods of the reactant materials and by the gelation temperature. Further, it is found that the gelation at an elevated temperatures near 7$0^{\circ}C$ can be made possible through modification of mixing procedures. This provides convenient means of controlling the particle size of the final products. In this regard, a continuous flow-type mixing technique is proposed, which is demonstrated to be superior to the conventional batch-type mixings. The significance of this finding may lie in savings of equipment as well as energy costs, especialy on a large scale commercialization of zeolite production.
