Factorial analysis of nano-precipitated calcium carbonate via a carbonation route using Solvay wastewater

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

The implementation of calcium carbonate nanoparticles in a variety of industrial applications has been remarkably brought to attention. Precipitated calcium carbonate nanoparticle is widely used in specialized purity-defined applications. The characteristics of the precipitated calcium carbonate are controlled by some process variables. This paper aims at studying the production of calcium carbonate via a carbonation route that can also be considered an efficient utilization of carbon dioxide. A Synthetic Solvay wastewater sample has been prepared and carbonated for the manufacture of nano-precipitated calcium carbonate. In addition, the effect of three independent controllable factors, i.e., stirring rate, ammonia, and glycerol (as an additive), on yield and particle size has been investigated. For constructing experimental runs as well as optimizing process variables for optimum yield and particle size, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) via factorial experiments with centre points was used. The actual link between reaction variables and responses has been represented by two regression models. Numerous statistical validation procedures, including an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 95% confidence level, have been used to test the adequacy of the projected models. Investigating the elements that influence calcium carbonate preparation reveals a considerable improvement in the physical characteristics of the final product.

Comments

Studying the influential factors while preparing the calcium carbonate shows a significant improvement in the physical parameters of the end product materials. i.e., particle size and yield. Changing the ammonia concentration and stirring rate during the calcium carbonate preparation affect the particle size of the finished calcium carbonate product. A high ammonia level combined with a low stirring rate results in a large particle size, whereas a high ammonia content combined with a high stirring rate substantially reduces particle size. Moreover, higher yields may be obtained when using high ammonia content and high stirring rate, but low ammonia with low stirring rate significantly affect calcium carbonate output yield. The results obtained can be utilized to vary the controllable factors (stirring rate, ammonia and glycerol content) to achieve specific values for the response factors (particle size and yield) depending on the required application of the calcium carbonate.

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