The effects of thermal and activation process on crystalline structure of clays from Boyolali and Riau were investigated using an X-ray diffraction method. The towo treatments are expected to increase the crystallinity and stability of the crystal structure thereby improving the activity of the clays as absorbent cataysts and ion exchangers. the X-ray diffractograms showed that the Boyolali's clay is monomorilonit and Riau's clay is kaoline. Heating from 600 to 1000drajat C caused a damage to the monmorilonit crystal structure the decrease in crystallinity was proportional to the temperature increase. Similarly kaolinic crystallinity was destroyed at temperature higher than 600drajat C. Activation increased the crystallinity of the monmorilonit, but caused destruction to kaolinic crystal. Hence, the two treatments have not brought appropriate conditions for improving the stability and crystallinity of the clays which requires futher investigation.
Key words: X-ray diffraction, clays, catalysts
Endang Tri Wahyuni
Key words: X-ray diffraction, clays, catalysts
Endang Tri Wahyuni
