Dissolution kinetics of metakaolin in sulfuric acid: Comparison between heterogeneous and homogeneous reaction methods

A kinetic study of metakaolin dissolution in sulfuric acid was carried out with the application of homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction methods. The comparison between them was not found in literature. The results showed small differences for activation energies, with an average of 96.8kJ/mol, and leaching reaction of the first order with respect to aluminum from metakaolin. The kinetic study of metakaolin dissolution process in acid solution can be carried out by applying relatively easy-to-use homogeneous reaction methods that require short time for their application. •Metakaolin dissolution in sulfuric acid was carried out.•We applied kinetic methods of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions.•A result of 96.8kJ/mol of activation energy was found.•Leaching reaction of the first order for aluminum from metakaolin was found.•The kinetic study can be carried out only by applying homogeneous reaction methods.