Abstract

This article presents ultrasound assisted carbonization method for the synthesis of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano calcite). The effect of different surfactants, such as polyacrylic acid, steric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate and myristic acid, on the synthesis of nano CaCO₃ was investigated. Concentration of surfactants ranged from 0.2-1.0g/L. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) confirmed cubic structure of nano CaCO₃ showing characteristic reflection of calcite phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the particles are cubical in nature. The use of an ultrasound probe during synthesis leads to narrow distribution of particles. The conductivity and pH value of reaction mixture was measured during the reaction. The time required for the completion of reaction changes with different surfactants was also found. The crystallite size was found to be dependent on surfactant concentration. The minimum time was noted for sodium tripolyphosphate which was 40 min. The crystallite size was found to increase as per the trail sequence of the surfactant, sodium tripolyphosphate, steric acid and polyacrylic acid, myristic acid. The myristic acid shows the biggest crystallite size due to its hydrophobic nature, while sodium tripolyphosphate plays an important role in crystal growth inhibition giving lower crystallite size. Finally, the results presented here demonstrate that nano-calcite crystals can be synthesized, for high potential industrial applications such as filler in the paper and polymer industry.

Recommended Citation

Sonawane, Shirish H.; Gumfekar, Sarang P.; Meshram, Satish; Deosarkar, Manik P.; Mahajan, Chantrashekhar M.; and Khanna, Pawan (2009) "Combined Effect of Surfactant and Ultrasound on Nano Calcium Carbonate Synthesized by Crystallization Process," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 7: A47.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol7/A47