Emanation-Thermal Analysis of Fibrous Basalt Sorbents

Abstract

Structural changes in basalt sorbents in the course of thermal treatment were studied by complex emanation-thermal analysis. Sorbent was prepared by two-stage treatment of staple basalt fibers with hydrochloric acid. The sorption isotherms of liquid nitrogen vapor on these new sorbents were obtained, the open surface areas were determined, and the porosity and pore size distribution of leached fibers were evaluated. The data of thermostimulated gas liberation method showed that water sorbed on porous basalt fibers occurs in two energy-different states: the main fraction of water is desorbed at 90-110°C, and the remainder, at 300-320°C. The sorbent is completely regenerated on heating to 550°C. Degradation of the fiber pore structure begins at 700°C, and fiber sintering, at temperatures greater than 1150°C. A mathematical model of emanation of the porous systems in the sintering mode was proposed, and the activation energies of emanation of the initial and porous fibers were calculated. It was found that leaching, along with formation and development of the mesopore system, generates numerous “point” defects. Due to significant sorption activity and high thermal stability, fibrous basalt sorbents can be recommended to prepare sorption filters for treatment of radiochemical production wastes.