The Impact of Chemical Activation on the Structure and Surface Characteristics of Kaolin

This article presents the results of a study on the impact of acid activation on the structure and surface properties of kaolin. Hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 2.5 M was utilized in combination with pre-heat-treated kaolin (metakaolin). We employed two methods of chemical activation: with and without ultrasonic treatment. The activation temperature was also varied during the experiments (60°C and 80°C). The samples underwent characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption methods, and conductivity measurements. The findings demonstrate that acid activation significantly enhances the physical-chemical properties of kaolin. The maximum value of specific surface area increases 15 times (from 13 m
²
g-
¹
to 200 m
²
g-
¹
).