Synthesis of precipitated calcium carbonate with the addition of aloe vera extract under different reaction temperatures

Abstract

The synthesis of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) using plant extracts as additives has been developed to modify the morphology, particle size, chemical purity, and stability of PCC to be used for a variety of potential applications. In this study, aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) was used as an additive for the synthesis of PCC. The synthesis of PCC was carried out using a tubular column reactor under the temperatures of 30, 50 and 100°C and was performed without and with aloe vera extract concentrations of 3, 5, 8 and 10 vol%. Recycled carbon dioxide (CO2) with a flow rate of 1 L/min was used which was obtained from the calcination process. The purity and morphology of synthesized PCC were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results demonstrated that the increase in the aloe vera concentration from 3 to 10 vol% produced the aragonite crystals at 100°C. The agglomerated cluster was observed with a rhombohedral shape with 3 and 5 vol% of aloe vera extract under the temperature of 30°C. The obtained PCC yield was 91, 72 and 93% at 30, 50 and 100°C, respectively with 10 vol% of aloe vera extract