Production of sodium silicate cullets by using trona

Abstract

This study focuses on production and characterization of sodium silicate cullet by using trona. Sodium silicate cullets are generally produced by direct fusion of precisely measured portions of soda ash (Na2CO3) and quartz (SiO2). In this study trona (Na2CO3·NaHCO3 · 2H2O) was used as a source of soda ash. For this purpose trona sample was first characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry and chemical analyses. Different batches were prepared and fused to produce sodium silicates varying in ratio Na2O·nSiO2. Produced samples were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that trona can be used instead of soda ash to produce sodium silicate cullets.