Carbonation of natural minerals and their use in various fields

The economic benefits of using a natural mineral sorbent, in adsorption purification technology come with the challenge of waste disposal (mineral sorbent with adsorbed matter). Since regenerating natural sorbent using various solvents is economically impractical, and direct waste disposal leads to environmental pollution, the possibility of producing new materials from waste from the adsorption purification process was explored. The studies were conducted using a model system consisting of a natural mineral sorbent (bentonite clay, zeolite, diatomite) in a mixture with organic sorbates - petroleum product (fraction of diesel oil) and molasses (complex mixture of natural carbohydrates a by-product from the crystallization of sugar from sugar beet or cane). 
It was found that during the heat treatment (400-450°C) of this model compounds, the surface of the mineral is firmly coated with thermal decomposition products of adsorbed organic matters, partially with coke-like substances. Using the elemental analysis method, the average formula for the C:H, which is within the general formula for the composition of coke. 
Carbonation alters the pore structure particles of mineral. Carbonated samples are dominated by meso- and macropores with equivalent radii ranging from 80 to 20,000 nm. The total pore volume increases, while the total specific surface area decreases.
Studies conducted to determine the scope of practical applications of carbonated mineral samples adsorbed by petroleum products and molasses (a by-product of sugar production) have shown their potential application as active fillers for plastics, rubber and sealants, as well as adsorbents for medical purposes.