Surface modification of mechanochemically activated kaolinites by selective leaching.

Low- and high-defect kaolinites mechanochemically activated for different periods of time have been treated with sulfuric acid solution. These modified materials were analyzed using a combination of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, chemical analysis, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as specific surface area and pore size distribution measurements. In addition to the mechanochemically amorphized part, the disordered and the adequately distorted phases also reacted with sulfuric acid. The specific surface areas of the leached samples of the partially or the completely amorphized materials were found to be greater than those of the thermally amorphized ones. The acid treatment results in a greater total pore volume for the partially amorphized materials than for the totally amorphized mineral. The partially amorphized high-defect kaolinite was proved to be more soluble than the low-defect kaolinite under similar conditions.