Talc Structure Research Articles

The effect of antigorite dehydration on velocity structure and water migration in subduction zones

The water migration in subduction zones, primarily driven by the phase transition in hydrous minerals, can give rise to hydrated regions with reduced velocity. A fundamental element in comprehending and deciphering these low-velocity zones revolves around acquiring insights into the stability and elasticity of relevant hydrous minerals. As one of the main water carriers in shallow areas, antigorite can dehydrate to form talc, forsterite, and fluid (talc–bearing peridotites) in deep areas of subduction zones, and then the talc thus serves as one of the minerals that can bring water to the deep Earth. Here, the elasticity of talc up to 24 GPa and forsterite up to 12 GPa are calculated by using the first principles method. The result supposes that the talc structure transforming from talc I to talc II is at a pressure between 6 GPa and 8 GPa, impacting the trend of elastic wave velocity in response to pressure. Furthermore, the elastic wave velocity of forsterite can be significantly affected by iron concentration. Meanwhile, a variation velocity model with antigorite consumption and talc content is set up for talc-bearing serpentinized peridotite based on the elastic properties of talc and forsterite in this study, and antigorite in Wang et al. (2022). The results of our model demonstrate a decrease in the low-velocity anomaly in subduction zones, particularly in deep regions or areas with higher initial serpentinization degrees. The results also suggest that the mode of antigorite dehydration can diminish the estimation of water content transported to depths of subduction zones, such as the Mariana Trench and Northern Japan subduction zones. The mode of antigorite dehydration thus provides a useful tool for constraining the composition, seismic velocity structure, and water migration in subduction zones.

Adsorption mechanism of a biodegradable plant polyphenol depressant for selective separation of chalcopyrite from talc

In this paper, the effect of Tannic acid (TA), a green, biodegradable plant polyphenol, as a talc depressant on the separation behavior of talc and chalcopyrite was investigated. The results of micro-flotation studies revealed that at a TA dosage of 20 mg/L at pH 7, talc recovery was barely 10 % whereas chalcopyrite recovery remained above 90 %, indicating that TA can selectively depress talc flotation. The results of the artificial mixed minerals test further confirmed the depressive effect of TA. The adsorption results showed that the adsorption density of TA on talc was greater than that on chalcopyrite surface. Similar conclusions were observed in zeta potential tests. It is noteworthy that the zeta potential of the chalcopyrite treated with TA and butyl xanthate sodium continued to shift negatively in comparison to the zeta potential of chalcopyrite treated with TA alone, suggesting that butyl xanthate sodium can continue to adsorb on the surface of chalcopyrite following TA treatment. Besides, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests concluded that TA adsorbs on talc surface by physical (hydrophobic) interaction. Differences in the crystal structures of chalcopyrite and talc, as well as the large number of phenolic hydroxyl structures contained in TA, are the main driving forces for the selective adsorption of TA on the talc surface. This work provides an insight to the selection of inhibitors for the separation of chalcopyrite and talc, particularly from the perspective of the hydrophobic effect of the talc layered structure.

Growing of 2D/3D graphene structures on natural substrates from aromatic plastic wastes by scalable thermal-based upcycling process with a comparative CO2 footprint analysis

Recycling aromatic plastics, such as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is complex and strongly sensitive to the process design and conditions due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and interunit CO and/or CC linkages. Herein, the upcycling process becomes crucial to attain high-value-added products from aromatic plastics. With this study, graphene growth was achieved on the natural substrates of talc and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), from waste PS and PET sources via a sustainable, affordable, and environment-friendly upcycling technique. This promising method promotes the formation of 2D and 3D graphene structures from waste PS and PET. This provides dimension-controlled graphene growth by tailoring the substrate type and size, surface composition of the substrate, and the degree of aromaticity in the polymer. In addition, polymer processing techniques of twin-screw extrusion and thermokinetic mixing, were investigated in the development of graphene-grown hybrid additives to tailor the degree of crystallinity. Regarding structural characterization results, a high shear rate mixer led to the change in crystalline planes of talc, whereas conventional twin screw extrusion preserved the structure of talc indicating that high shear rate triggered the exfoliation of talc. Furthermore, a systematic life cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate the CO2 footprint of upcycled graphenes grown on talc and OMMT compared to graphene produced from graphite. Upcycled graphene structures obtained by direct carbonization and even catalyst impregnated natural substrate-based graphene growth process with PS or PET source have comparably lower CO2 emission than graphene received from graphite. Therefore, these newly developed and upcycled hybrid additives opens a way for the conversion of aromatic complex plastic wastes into value-added nanomaterials being candidate as reinforcing agent by adopting a circular economy model.

Structure and Properties of Water in a New Model of the 10-Å Phase: Classical and Ab Initio Atomistic Computational Modeling

The 10-Å phase is an important member of the family of dense hydrous magnesium silicates (DHMSs) that play a major role in the water budget in the Earth’s upper mantle. Its nominal composition is usually written as Mg3Si4O10(OH)2·xH2O, and its structure is often described as layers of talc with some amount of water present in the interlayer space. However, its actual structure and composition and the detailed mechanisms of retaining H2O molecules within the mineral are not yet sufficiently known. In particular, more recent spectroscopic and diffraction data indicate the presence of Si vacancies in the tetrahedral silicate sheets of the 10-Å phase leading to the formation of Q2-type Si sites terminated by silanol groups. These silanols are, in turn, hydrogen bonded to interlayer H2O molecules. Here, we use classical and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to compare the structures and properties of ideal and defect models of the 10-Å phase under ambient conditions. For classical MD simulations, the most recent modification of the ClayFF force field is used, which can accurately account for the bending of Mg–O–H and Si–O–H angles in the mineral layers, including the structural defects. The crystal lattice parameters, elastic constants, structure, and dynamics of the interlayer hydrogen bonding network for the model 10-Å phase are calculated and compared with available experimental data. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of Si vacancies leads to better agreement with crystallographic data, elastic constants, and bulk and shear moduli compared to a simpler model based on the idealized talc structure. The results also clearly illustrate the importance of the explicit inclusion of Mg–O–H and Si–O–H angular bending terms for accurate modeling of the 10-Å phase. In particular, the properly constrained orientation of the silanol groups promotes the formation of strong hydrogen bonds with the interlayer H2O molecules.

Talc modified by milling and alkali activation: Physico-chemical characterization and application in base catalysis

The work aimed at the development of benign solid base catalysts as alternatives for presently used noxious liquid bases. Talc, possessing intrinsic basic properties, was chosen as a particularly attractive and cost-effective precursor. Activation of talc by grinding in a planetary mill followed by treatment with 2 M NaOH was employed as means for basicity enhancement. Such protocol enabled profound modification of talc structure, otherwise resistant to treatment with a basic solution. Deep changes, not addressed in the literature reports so far, took place in the course of combined mechanical and alkali treatment. The amorphized ground talc transformed to the magnesium silicate hydrate (MSH) phase and brucite. Treatment with NaOH led to significant enhancement of surface basicity with respect to the parent materials. The effect was particularly spectacular for alkali-treated, strongly ground talc samples, containing the MSH component. The materials were tested in a base-catalyzed reaction of aldol condensation of acetone. The trend of catalytic activity followed closely the order of surface basicity, which pointed to the key role of MSH as a catalytically active phase in the modified talc solids. Joint mechanical and alkali activation of talc proved to be a simple, yet promising way of developing solid base materials for catalytic applications.

Effect of Point Defects on Electronic Properties and Structure of Talc (001) Surface by First Principles

The surface structure and electronic properties of Mg vacancy defects on talc (001) and impurity defects with Fe, Mn, Ni, Al, and Ca replacing Mg atoms were calculated by using density functional theory. The calculation results show that the order of impurity substitution energy is Mn < Ni < Al < Ca < Fe. This indicates that Fe impurity defects are most easily formed in talc crystals. The covalent bonding between Si atoms and reactive oxygen atoms adjacent to impurity atoms is weakened and the ionic property is enhanced. The addition of Fe, Mn, and Ni atoms makes the surface of talc change from an insulator to a semiconductor and enhances its electrical conductivity. The analysis of electron state density shows that surface states composed of impurity atoms 4S orbital appear near the Fermi level.

Structural characterisation of magnesium (sodium) aluminium silicate hydrate (M-(N)-A-S-H) phases by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy

Magnesium silicate hydrate phases (M-S-H) have been observed forming in low pH cements, which came in contact with Mg-rich ground waters or argillaceous rock formations, such as Opalinus Clay. Their crystallographic structure has been suggested to be a purely ordered sheet-like phyllosilicate with a tetrahedral octahedral (TOT O) layering, i.e. similarly to a talc plus brucite structure. In nature, Mg phyllosilicates with this type of layering contain several type of cations, in particular Al, as well as alkaline earth metals. This study shows that the X-ray near-edge spectra of synthesised Mg-Al- silicate hydrates and Mg-Al-Na silicate hydrates (M-A-S-H and M-N-A-S-H) show distinct differences to M-S-H, indicating the possible accommodation of Al in their structure. This is further supported by the great similarity of the spectra to natural Mg–Al containing phyllosilicates, i.e. clinochlore, having a TOT O layering. The results, furthermore, suggest that Na is not taken up in the structure due to the strong similarities of the M-N-A-S-H with the M-A-S-H phases. The comparison of the latter spectra with natural references show high resemblance not only with clinochlore, but also with sepiolite, a Mg containing phyllosilicate with water molecules bridging between broken octahedral chains. It is, therefore, suggested that the Mg in the M-(N)-A-S-H phases is bound similarly to clinochlore with a TOT O layering and that water molecules or OH groups are present between broken octahedral layers. Aluminium is possibly accommodated in the tetrahedral and/or octahedral layers.

Evidences of talc-white mica assemblage in low-grade metamorphic rocks from the internal zone of the Rif Cordillera (N Morocco)

Talc-phengite intergrowths were identified in epizone rocks from the Beni Mezala unit (Internal Zone of the Rif). These rocks show the non-common assemblage quartz-K-feldspar-albite-phengite-talc-vermiculite-chlorite/vermiculite mixed-layers. Although X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of talc, talc could not be observed petrographically. In contrast, transmission electron microscopy indicates that white mica consists of nanometer-sized intergrowths of phengite and talc. At the scanning electron microscope scale, these micas show anomalously high contents of Fe + Mg composition (with an average value of 0.51 atoms per formula unit, apfu). The subtraction of the talc component from the mica formula allowed to obtain a mica with a limited phengitic substitution K0.91Na0.03(Al1.74 Fe2+0.23Mg0.03Ti0.03)Σ=2.03(Si3.18Al0.82) which permits an estimation of minimum pressure (P) <4 kbar. This is coherent with the medium-P facies series determinate by the b-cell parameter of white micas (9.036 Å). The detailed study at nanometer scale shows a domain structure of talc within the white mica packets probably originated by exsolution from a metastable precursor mica with high Fe + Mg contents. This has been interpreted as a relic of a HP assemblage in a low-grade metamorphic context. The study at nanometer scale should be considered as they may have petrological implications.

The hydrophobic surface state of talc as influenced by aluminum substitution in the tetrahedral layer

Talc is both an important industrial mineral product recovered by flotation, and also in other cases, a gangue mineral of concern in the flotation of certain sulfide ores, such as the PGM ores from South Africa and from the United States. The talc face surface is naturally hydrophobic with a water sessile drop contact angle of nearly 80°, which accounts for its flotation recovery in one case, and its contamination of sulfide mineral concentrates in other instances. Due to the presence of impurities in the talc structure the surface properties change. One such effect is the presence of aluminum, which can replace silicon in the silica tetrahedral layer of the talc structure. This results in a charge imbalance on the face surface because Si+4 is replaced by Al+3. Sessile drop contact angle and bubble attachment time measurements were made, and these results were compared to the results from molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). The extent of aluminum substitution in the silica tetrahedral layer was considered, and the sessile drop contact angle was found to decrease with increased aluminum content, decreasing from about 80° for no substitution (talc) to 0° for extensive substitution (phlogopite). The water film was found to be stable at the surface of highly aluminum substituted crystals due to the interaction between water molecules and the increased polarity of the surface state. This stable water film restricts the air bubble from attaching to such face surfaces. However, in the absence of aluminum substitution, no interactions between the water molecules and the face surface were observed and the air bubble readily attached to the face surface. This study provides additional understanding of how aluminum substitution in the tetrahedral layer affects the fundamental surface properties of talc, paving the way for the design of improved reagents for talc flotation as an industrial mineral product, and for talc depression in the recovery of sulfide mineral concentrates.

Effects of Xanthate on Flotation Kinetics of Chalcopyrite and Talc

This paper investigated the effects of using or not using potassium butyl xanthate (PBX) as a collector on the flotation kinetics of talc and chalcopyrite. By means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a contact angle measuring instrument and particle size analyzer, the underlying causes behind the flotation rate changes of talc and chalcopyrite are analyzed. Experimental results showed that in collectorless flotation, the law of change in the flotation rate constant (k) of the two minerals over time is independent of pH, and k values of chalcopyrite are much smaller than those of talc. In the presence of PBX, the flotation speed of chalcopyrite greatly increases, and the k values of chalcopyrite are far larger than those of talc. This is mainly because the amount of xanthate adsorbed on the surface of chalcopyrite is large and the adsorption is in the form of chemisorption, while the adsorption of xanthate on the talcum surface is in very small amounts and in the form of physical adsorption. Simulation results indicated that the collectorless flotation of chalcopyrite conform to the classical first-order kinetics model and the Kelsall model, whereas that of talc only conform to the latter, which is due to the layered structure of talc. In the presence of the collector, talc flotation conforms to the two model, because talc has a higher floatability and particle morphology has less influence on the flotation rate.

Geochemistry of ultramafic–mafic rocks of the Madawara Ultramafic Complex in the southern part of the Bundelkhand Craton, Central Indian Shield: Implications for mantle sources and geodynamic setting

Detailed field, petrography and whole‐rock geochemical study was carried out in order to constrain the mantle sources and geodynamic setting of the Madawara Ultramafic Complex (MUC) of the Bundelkhand Craton. Studies reveal that there are two types of ultramafic rocks: (a) high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks and (b) undeformed ultramafic–mafic plutonic rocks. The high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks have undergone severe low‐grade (greenschist) metamorphism and are characterized by stringer and veinlet structures of talc–tremolite–actinolite schists with alternate layers of serpentinites showing comparatively higher SiO2 (46.1–49.4 wt%), lower MgO (24.6–26.2 wt%), and higher Al2O3 (4.58–7.06 wt%) and CaO (2.72–6.77 wt%) compared to the undeformed ultramafic rocks. The undeformed ultramafic rocks (mainly harzburgite, lherzolite, and olivine websterite) are characterized by globular structures and have lower SiO2 (40–44.1 wt%), higher MgO (30.4–38 wt%) and lower Al2O3 (1.84–4.03 wt%) and CaO (0.16–3.14 wt%). The undeformed mafic rocks (mainly gabbro) occur as small pockets within the undeformed ultramafic rocks as well as independent outcrops. Limited variation in Nb/Th against Nb/Yb along with negative Nb‐Ti anomalies of all the rock types in the multi‐element diagram reveals the significant role of the metasomatized mantle in their genesis. All the rocks show enrichment in light rare earth element and large‐ion lithophile elements compared to heavy rare earth elements and high‐field strength elements. The geochemical characteristics coupled with Ce/Yb versus Ce variation of the rocks of MUC point towards two different sources for their genesis. The high‐Mg ultrabasic/basic rocks are derived from partial melting of metasomatized mantle at shallow depth, while the undeformed ultramafic rocks were formed as a result of asthenospheric upwelling from a greater depth that induced the melting in the overlying lithosphere. Gabbro rocks represent the last and most evolved phase of the complex. Geochemical signatures suggest that the rocks of MUC were formed in a continental arc setting.

MAS NMR and EPR study of structural changes in talc and montmorillonite induced by grinding

AbstractThe milling process in the solid-state 2:1 clay minerals, montmorillonite and talc, which have different cation exchange capacities, is reported here. Several instrumental techniques were used to monitor systematically the products formed. The dehydroxylation/amorphization of the montmorillonite and talc structures occurs within 3 and 6 h of milling, respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra indicated that structural Mn2+ was oxidized more quickly in the montmorillonite structure than in talc, while the paramagnetic defects increased during milling. Nuclear magnetic resonance was also used to monitor the environmental changes for Si and Al during milling.

The non-isothermal kinetics of cordierite formation in mechanically activated talc–kaolinite–alumina ceramics system

The non-isothermal kinetics of cordierite formation from both non-activated and mechanically activated kaolinite + talc + alumina ceramic system was studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The mixture of kaolinite, talc and alumina was activated mechanically in a planetary mill, while amorphisation in the kaolinite, talc and alumina structure was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The activation energies depending on the conversion for cordierite formation were calculated from the DTA curves by using the non-isothermal method of Coats and Redfern at heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C min−1. The mechanical activation of the kaolinite, talc and alumina mixture resulted in the decrease in activation energy values for cordierite formation.

In situ spectroscopic study of water intercalation into talc: New features of 10 Å phase formation

The synthesis of 10 A phase via the reaction of talc plus water at 8 GPa and 500 °C was studied by in situ Raman spectroscopy using a diamond-anvil cell. The initial fast (2 h) incorporation of interlayer H2O molecules into the talc structure is traced by gradual growth of new OH stretching bands at 3592 and 3621 cm−1 and the shift of several framework bands. Further monitoring at HP-HT conditions over 7 h reveals gradual weakening of the 3592 cm−1 band, which can probably be related to the onset of the formation of “long-run” 10 A phase through the appearance of silanol groups following the model proposed by Pawley et al. (2010), influencing the interlayer hydrogen bonding.

Influence of Grinding and Sonication on the Crystal Structure of Talc

AbstractTalc is an important industrial mineral with a broad range of applications. Particle size and crystal structure have a significant influence on the potential uses. The present study examined the influence of grinding and ultrasound treatment on talc from a new deposit, Gemerská Poloma, in Slovakia. The general knowledge that grinding produces progressive structural disorder leading to amorphization, whereas sonication has a negligible effect on the talc crystal structure, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Partial reduction of particle size along with delamination was observed by XRD after sonication, low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TEM. The specific surface area (SSA) increased slightly after prolonged sonication, but grinding initially caused a rapid increase in SSA followed by a drastic decrease after prolonged grinding time of up to 120 min which was attributed to the aggregation of amorphized talc. Sonication and grinding had different influences on the thermal behavior of the talc studied. Sonication decreased slightly the dehydroxylation temperature, whereas grinding added a significant mass loss at low temperature, arising from the dehydration of hydrated Mg cations released from the talc structure during amorphization. The initial high whiteness value of talc decreased slightly after grinding or sonication. Thermogravimetry was suggested as a useful tool to track and predict changes in the talc structure upon sonication and grinding.

Size-dependence hydrophobicity in nanocrystalline talc produced by high-intensity planetary ball milling

ABSTRACTMicron-size talc samples were ground using a high-intensity planetary ball mill at different milling times as an attempt to reduce particle size and study the effect on the corresponding hydrophobicity. XRD and SEM results confirmed the decrease in the particle size. FTIR spectroscopy analyses revealed the talc characteristic bands centered on 669 cm-1 for the O-H bonds and 1018 cm-1 for the Si-O bonds, as well as a degradation in the talc structure for prolonged milling times. BET results indicate an increase of specific surface area, which also confirms particle size reduction, reaching a maximum at 1 h, after which the particles agglomerate. Contact angle measurements show a decrease in the hydrophobicity of talc after milling. Although talc retains its hydrophobicity after short milling periods, prolonged grinding causes the mineral to have a more hydrophilic character.

Characterization and dielectric properties of sodium fluoride doped talc

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of NaF and firing temperature on the dielectric properties (dielectric constant and dielectric loss) of talc, which is used in the electrical and electronic industries as a circuit element. A detailed characterization of the samples was made by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TG-DTG methods. Dielectric measurements were performed in the frequency range from 1 MHz to 80 MHz at room temperature. The dielectric constant value increased with an increase in firing temperature due to the removal of polarizable compounds from the talc structure. The higher dielectric constant values were obtained by addition of NaF. The dielectric loss of NaF doped talc decreased with the increase of firing temperature and increased with the increase of the amount of NaF.

Effect of interalated lithium on electronic structure of talc

In order to characterize the process of intercalation the electronic states (partial and total density of states) of talc, the Fermi level, the potential energy minima are evaluated within the projector augmented wave method (PAW). It is shown that the p-states of O mainly form the valence band while s- states of Si, O, Мg mainly form the conduction band of the talc. The calculated band gap is 5,08 еV. Total energy of the talc with the penetrated lithium into these minima is analyzed. It is obtained that the thermodynamically stable state of the talc/Li system is realized with lithium in the van der Waals gap of the talc structure. This fact coincides with experimental data according to which a guest penetrates exactly into the van der Waals gap during intercalation process. The lithium atom intercalated into the minima of the initial talc potential energy causes the reduction of the band gap and increase in the Fermi energy. These results will be used in the industrial production of batteries.

Mechanical activation as sintering pre-treatment of talc for steatite ceramics

The effect of vibratory mill induced mechanical activation on the change of the particle size, crystallinity and the phase transformations of the minerals present in the activated material, was studied with the purpose of decreasing of the sintering temperature of talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) as raw material which is the basic component of the steatite ceramics. The aims of the conducted investigation were, also, increasing of the reactivity of the comminuted raw material and establishing of the optimal activation period. The properties of the activated talc induced by mechanical force were expressed in form of the grain inertia change which was measured by means of automatic grain counter. Mechanically activated grains are the most convenient mineral form for physical concentration since the energy change of the mill-material system is recorded on them. The effect of dry grinding on the structure, particle size and shape of talc was studied by means of XRD, DTA and SEM/EDS methods. Activation of talc produced an increase of the starting surface area value progressively from 4.5 m2/g up to a maximum of 108.5 m2/g achieved at 30 min. A subsequent decrease of rate of surface area change and the rate of size reduction were observed following the prolonged grinding. Talc activated in vibratory mill for optimal 30 min showed properties which positively influence the decrease of sintering temperature and the increase of the sintering rate of steatite ceramics.

Mineralogical and physicochemical properties of talc from Emirdağ, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

Lens-shaped talc deposits related to Mesozoic gabbroic rocks are exposed in an area of 2 km^2, about 80 km northwest of Afyonkarahisar (western Anatolia). Different alteration zones in talc deposits were determined depending on differences related to the texture and color of the host rock. In order to determine mineralogical, geochemical, and physicochemical features of the Emirdağ talc deposits, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), FT-IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, differential thermogravimetric analyses, BET-specific surface area, color, water soluble substance, acid-soluble carbonate, and acid-soluble iron tests were performed on the samples collected from different alteration zones in the lateral direction. Four groups of mineral paragenesis were determined: i) talc and chlorite-bearing actinolite (E1), ii) actinolite-rich talc (E-2), iii) chlorite and calcite-bearing talc (E-3), and iv) pure talc (E-4). Talc, actinolite, and chlorite are dominant. SEM analyses show that fine shreds, like microcrystalline talc crystals, are associated mainly with actinolite and chlorite, and actinolites are mainly transformed into chlorite and talc. Ni and Cr contents of the Emirdağ talcs are consistent with the composition of the talc deposits formed in relation to ultramafic rocks. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, chemical analysis, and Mössbauer spectroscopy results show that iron in the Emirdağ samples was mainly derived from talc minerals and this iron occurs as Fe^{+2} in the crystal lattice structure of talc. Because removal of iron from Emirdağ talc seems difficult during mineral processing techniques, the Emirdağ talc can be used in its crude state in the cosmetic, paint, and paper industries as a secondary raw material.