The illitization of kaolinite at increasing pressures was followed by hydrothermal experiments of kaolinite in KOH solution at 300 degrees C for 12 h and pressures between 500 and 3000 bar XRD indicated a direct transformation of kaolinite into muscovite/illite with increasing pressure However the (27)AI MAS NMR spectra showed in addition to the muscovite/illite…
An experimental programme is presented with the aim of characterising – from physical, microstructural and geotechnical perspectives – the main properties of compacted clay phyllites. These clay phyllites are widely used as waterproofing material for roofs in the Alpujarra (Andalusia, Spain), as sealing liners in irrigation ponds, and as core material of small earthen zoned…
Novel controlled release formulations (CRFs) were developed for reducing leaching of herbicides and contamination of groundwater. The herbicide metribuzin (MTB) was entrapped within a sepiolite-gel matrix using a novel and ultrasound-based technique. Different sepiolite/herbicide matrices (either as a gel or as a powder after freeze-drying) were prepared with pesticide loading between 28.6 and 9.1%. The…
The Deep Geological Repository (DGR) concept involves the placement of long-lived radioactive waste in rooms excavated deep. The major responsibility of the disposal safety falls on the Engineered Barrier System (EBS). The main constituent of EBS is bentonite that prevents the release of radiactive nuclei by physical and chemical mechanisms. The physical mechanism is expected…
Grinding of clays modifies their surfaces and can significantly affect their leaching behaviour. The acid reaction of vermiculite from Santa Olalla (Huelva, Spain) with HCl at various concentrations was affected by grinding and acid concentration. The acid leaching of ground vermiculite for 3 min with 1 M HCl solution at 80 °C for 24 h…
The characterization of iron in microsamples by conventional X-ray diffraction is difficult due to its low concentration in thin layers and its low reflecting power relative to other phases. Synchrotron radiation can provide unique information because of high intensity, sample penetration, small beam diameter and fast data collection. In this study, micro X-ray diffraction (mu-XRD)…