An Electron-optical Investigation of Soil Clay Minerals and Soil Stabilizing Agent Reactions PDF Download

Author: P. Michael Terlecky
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Clay
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description
Characterization of reference clay mineral standards was accomplished by use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Experiments were conducted to determine the reactions between these clay minerals and lime which was used as a soil stabilizing agent. Examination of clay minerals visually by use of the SEM offers a partial examination of the irreactivity with soil stabilizing agents. Both surface area and surface roughness increase while there is an apparent decrease in the crystallinity of the clay minerals examined in the following order; Kaolinite group, Illite group, and Montmorillonite group. Reactions were studied of several soil clay minerals with various proportions of Ca(OH)2 and both with and without contact with the air. The major product of the reactions is calcite with smaller amounts of the material 3CaO . Al2O3 . CaCO3 . LlH2O. Scanning electron microscopy of the reacted materials shows a rough, 'corroded' surface on the clays as well as the formation of small single crystals of calcite and Ca(OH)2. Experimental studies showed that the problems of swelling soils can be alleviated by a double application Ca(OH)2 under proper moisture conditions. (Author).