Thermal behavior of mechanically activated sepiolite

Sepiolite, a complex magnesium silicate mineral, was activated mechanically in a planetary mill and the changes in the mineral structure and thermal behavior of sepiolite were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The results showed that particle size decreased and amorphization in the ore structure was occured with increment of grinding times. The loss of zeolitic water in the structure was actualized during mechanical activation of sepiolite.