Temperature effect on structural, chemical and physical properties of Tunisian phosphorites (Kef Eddour region)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The use of calcinations process for phosphate ores mineral upgrading has much potential for reducing problem s during the phosphoric acid production. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in Kef Eddour phosphorite (KEP) effected by variation in temperature of calcinations. Characterizations of calcined phosphorites were carried out by several techniques including, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and TG/DTA analysis. The obtained results indicate that the decomposition of raw phosphorite was accompanied by the loss of CO2 during the thermal decomposition of the carbonate (CO32- type B and calcite) and formation of CaO and fluorapatite. Moreover, treatment of SiO2 present in raw phosphorite at 900°C leads to the well-known α-β-transition of quartz. Thermal behavior of raw and calcined KEP are investigated and it was found a total mass loss about 11% influenced by the nature of the impurities present in raw KEP. Furthermore, P2O5 content was raised up to 31% resulting to the reduction of organic matter and calcium carbonate. The study of granulometric distribution indicated an increase in grain size upon calcinations. After cooling of the calcined sample, recarbonatation processes take place.

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 27 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 February 2025

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