Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 July 2018
Sepiolite from Vallecas (Spain) was treated with HCl solutions (1.25; 2.5; 5.0; 10.0 and 20.0 wt%) at 25°C for 2, 6, 24 and 48 h. The solutions obtained after washing the acid treated samples were analysed and a kinetic model was applied to the cation dissolution data. The development of porosity and number of acid centres was studied. The experimental conditions which yield products with the highest surface activity were established. The size of the silica fibres, obtained after the treatment, decreases when the intensity of the treatments is increased. These characteristics are important for the adsorptive properties and the catalytic potential of a solid.